The main objective of Glaser Holthe's study was to explore what role mastery, meaning-making and growth play in explaining the above question.
Data was collected through qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 young men and women (age 20-28) with a refugee background, who have lived in Norway for an average of 7 years.
The findings support explanations from growth theories and humanistic and existential psychology regarding how and why positive adaptation occurs.
Adversity leading to learning
The main focus in psychological research on refugees has been on trauma and psychopathology, and researchers and practitioners have called for more use of holistic and strength-based approaches.
Through the meetings with the refugees, in connection with her research, Mira Elise has received many interesting inputs on what it is that makes them thrive despite the history they bring along with them.
"Participants emphasized the learning value of adversity and that giving up is not an option. They described themselves as survivors, drew on cultural strengths and resources, and were optimistic and open to new experiences – factors that together contributed to coping," writes Glaser Holthe to inn.no.
In contrast to existing approaches
There were also several indications of growth in the participants' stories, despite experiences of trauma and hardship both before and after arriving in Norway.
"For example, they described that they felt stronger, wiser, and had changed perspectives and values, and gave meaning to their experiences through helping others," says Glaser Holthe.
Taken together, the findings stand in contrast to representations of refugees as unilaterally vulnerable, and not least they constitute an impressive account of people's capacity for coping and growth.
"Strengths and growth often coexisted with difficulties and stress, and the findings point to the importance of using a contextual and strength-based psychological approach that recognizes nuances and complexity, as well as that health and functioning are shaped in interaction between individual, cultural, social and structural factors," says Mira Elise.
Contact information:
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About the public defence:
Mira Elise Glaser Holthe will defend her doctoral work in the PhD programme Child and Youth Competence Development at INN University, Lillehammer campus on 19.01.2023.
The title of the thesis is: "When giving up is not an option, out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls: Coping, meaning making, and adversarial growth among young adults with refugee backgrounds.".
Place: Auditorium G, studiested Lillehammer. (The public defence will not be streamed.)
The trial lecture starts at 10.15. Topic: "Refugees as contributors to wellbeing in Norway: an evidence review"
The public defence starts at 12.15.
The evaluation committee consists of:
- First opponent: Professor Ravi Kohli of the University of Bedfordshire
- Second opponent: Professor emerita Nora Sveaass of the University of Oslo
- Third opponent/administrator: Professor Lars Lien of INN University
Chair of the evaluation committee: Dean of the Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Per Morten Fredriksen
The candidate's lead supervisor has been Associate Professor Kerstin Søderstrøm of INN University. The co-supervisor has been professor Berit Berg of NTNU.
This public defence was held on 19.1.2023.
This article was translated from Norwegian by Noorit Larsen.