An Exploration of Integration Journeys, Identity, and Well-Being with Syrian Refugee Youth

Authors

  • Fawziah Rabiah-Mohammed Nursing College, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5079-6949
  • Abe Oudshoorn School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0277-8724
  • Yasmin Hussain London Intercommunity Health Centre, London, Ontario, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/1920-7336.41395

Keywords:

youth, Syrian refugee, photovoice, narrative methods, integration, resilience

Abstract

Settlement in a new country is a complex social experience. The aim of this study is to explore via photovoice how integration is experienced and navigated in relation to family, peers/friendships, school, work, and community for Syrian refugee youth. We propose four themes through which we can understand the integration experiences of Syrian refugee youth: (a) integration as a chronological journey, (b) bridging or interweaving cultures, (d) managing exclusions, and (d) questioning the premise. Underpinning these four themes is a fifth that runs throughout: resilience in personal strength and external support. These themes provide a detailed explanation of the rhythmic process of integration and supportive factors that enhance resilience.

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Author Biographies

Fawziah Rabiah-Mohammed, Nursing College, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Fawziah Rabiah-Mohammed is an Assistant Professor in the Nursing College at Umm Al-Qura University. She can be reach at Fmmalki@uqu.edu.sa.

Abe Oudshoorn, School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

Abe Oudshoorn is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at Western University. He can be reached at abe.oudshoorn@uwo.ca.

Yasmin Hussain, London Intercommunity Health Centre, London, Ontario, Canada

Yasmin Hussain works at the London Intercommunity Health Centre. She can be reached at Yashussain90@gmail.com.

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Published

2025-05-02

How to Cite

Rabiah-Mohammed, F., Oudshoorn, A., & Hussain, Y. (2025). An Exploration of Integration Journeys, Identity, and Well-Being with Syrian Refugee Youth. Refuge: Canada’s Journal on Refugees, 41(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.25071/1920-7336.41395

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