C Mels1, I Derluyn, E Broekaert. 1. Department of Orthopedagogics, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium. cindy.mels@ugent.be
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The situation of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) is characterized by a substantial disruption of the social network and loss of parental support, seriously jeopardizing their psychological well-being. However, little is known about the role of social support in the lives of UASC. METHODS: Twelve UASC completed a social support instrument and interview exploring perceived social support and what this implies for both buffering and main effects of social support. RESULTS: Asylum centre staff and the ethnic community were the most important resources of support. High importance was ascribed to social companionship as a way of coping. Despite pro-social efforts towards Belgian peers, this group provided hardly any social support. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of social support could enhance UASC's well-being through buffering effects (e.g. social companionship as avoidant/distractive coping) and main effects (acceptance by Belgian peers enhancing self-esteem). The asylum centre shows a great potential to stimulate UASC's psychological well-being by expanding the psychosocial function of staff members and community treatment.
BACKGROUND: The situation of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) is characterized by a substantial disruption of the social network and loss of parental support, seriously jeopardizing their psychological well-being. However, little is known about the role of social support in the lives of UASC. METHODS: Twelve UASC completed a social support instrument and interview exploring perceived social support and what this implies for both buffering and main effects of social support. RESULTS: Asylum centre staff and the ethnic community were the most important resources of support. High importance was ascribed to social companionship as a way of coping. Despite pro-social efforts towards Belgian peers, this group provided hardly any social support. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of social support could enhance UASC's well-being through buffering effects (e.g. social companionship as avoidant/distractive coping) and main effects (acceptance by Belgian peers enhancing self-esteem). The asylum centre shows a great potential to stimulate UASC's psychological well-being by expanding the psychosocial function of staff members and community treatment.
Authors: Carla Sharp; Donald Skinner; Motsaathebe Serekoane; Michael W Ross Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2010-06-06 Impact factor: 4.328