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Social support in unaccompanied asylum-seeking boys: a case study
C Mels1, I Derluyn, E Broekaert
1Department of Orthopedagogics, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium. cindy.mels@ugent.be
Child: Care, Health and Development
|October 31, 2008
Summary
Social support from asylum centre staff and ethnic communities significantly aids unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC). This support, particularly social companionship, enhances their psychological well-being by buffering stress and boosting self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) face severe social network disruption and loss of parental support.
- Their psychological well-being is jeopardized, with limited understanding of social support's role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore perceived social support among UASC.
- To understand the buffering and main effects of social support for UASC.
Main Methods:
- Twelve UASC participated in the study.
- A social support instrument and interviews were used to gather data.
Main Results:
- Asylum centre staff and ethnic communities were identified as key support resources.
- Social companionship was highly valued as a coping mechanism.
- Belgian peers offered minimal social support despite pro-social efforts.
Conclusions:
- Social support can improve UASC well-being via buffering (e.g., social companionship for coping) and main effects (e.g., peer acceptance boosting self-esteem).
- Asylum centres can enhance UASC psychological well-being by strengthening psychosocial support from staff and community resources.
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