Towards an Understanding of Young Refugees’ Identity Dynamics Along the Migration Process: A Systematic Review

Background

Young refugees face multiple impactful challenges during the migration process. At the same time, they face the critical developmental task of identity formation. In the current review, we addressed the question of what is currently known about the identity of young refugees along the migration process, along with its risk and protective factors. In doing so, we examined identity processes such as exploration and commitment as well as identity domains including cultural identity and educational identity.

Method

We searched the databases of PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and Sociological Abstracts for empirical studies. To be included in the review, papers had to: (1) investigate identity-related processes, domains, or statuses, or include identity-related findings; (2) use samples aged 10–25 years, who (3) were forced to resettle within or beyond national borders due to armed conflict, natural disaster, violence, or persecution; (4) be peer-reviewed and written in English, German, Dutch, Arabic, or Urdu, or have an English abstract; and (5) originate from psychology, sociology, or anthropology. Screening was done by the first author and two trained postgraduate psychology students. For coding, we used an iterative process in which we formulated an initial coding framework and expanded this framework based on the data we found in our included studies. Finally, we provided a narrative synthesis of our included studies.

Results

After title and abstract screening and full-text screening, we included 61 articles in the final review. 

Pre-Migration: None of the included studies sampled youth during the pre-migration phase.

Peri-Migration: During peri-migration, refugee youth often undergo phases of identity confusion and low exploration due to increased instability, an altered sense of agency, or their new status or label of being a “refugee”. Some youth, however, engage in identity renegotiation—i.e., efforts to redefine who they are – in response to their experiences, including positively reevaluating themselves, adopting a new identity, or actively rejecting negative labels.

Post-Migration: Generally, youth experience increased stability and support during post-migration, which can facilitate a clear sense of identity. Supportive relationships with parents and peers can buffer youth from some of the impacts of becoming a refugee, and living together with family members, being surrounded by familiar values and traditions can foster identity continuity. Nevertheless, many youth are aware of anti-refugee or anti-Muslim discourses surrounding them, which can contribute to these youth experiencing a negative refugee identity, identity confusion, and low exploration of cultural and religious identities.

Conclusion

Young refugees are often perceived as vulnerable or helpless victims of their circumstances. Our review paints a more nuanced picture of young refugees who, despite the many ways in which their identity is challenged, are often active and resilient transformers of their identity. It is common for young refugees to “lose” their sense of identity during times of instability, usually in the immediate aftermath of forced displacement. And yet, they often manage to “find” or redefine their identity again when their lives become more stable. Supportive interpersonal relationships, such as with parents and peers, can foster such stability and facilitate identity development.