Post-migratory experiences of newcomer female youth: self-esteem and identity development

This study explored the post-migratory experiences of newcomer female youth attending secondary school within a multi-cultural context. Focus groups were held with 10 newcomer female youth, in Toronto, Canada. Data were also collected through focus groups or in-depth interviews with school educators, parents, and school and community health center workers. In addition, the Current Self-Esteem (CSE) instrument was utilized to examine the global self-esteem of youth and the influences on their self-esteem. The average age of youth participants was 17 years old and their average age of immigration to Canada was 13.9 years old. The average score for the CSE was 7.9, which indicated that respondents felt, in general, good about themselves. Among the influences on youth's self-esteem were those related to Self, School, Relationships, Achievements and Lifestyle. The emerging sub-themes of the Self-Concept theme, arising from the qualitative data, consisted of Dynamic Self, Silenced Self, Cultural Identity, Female Role Models, Future Aspirations. The impact of the resettlement process on the self-esteem and identity of newcomer females is considered. It is concluded that in multi-cultural and post-migration societies multi-sectoral and context-specific mental health promotion strategies and policies are needed for youth.