UEA study reveals unaccompanied Afghan child refugees face hidden trauma in the UK
The new research highlights the challenges faced by young refugees in adjusting to life
A new study from the University of East Anglia highlights the significant challenges faced by Afghan refugees who arrived in the UK as unaccompanied minors.
Researchers delved into their experiences, shedding light on the silent struggles they continue to endure.
The study, carried out by Dr Rebecca Lane while she was a trainee clinical psychologist at UEA’s Norwich Medical School, involved interviews with 12 refugees.
They had all fled Afghanistan as children, escaping human rights abuses and violence.
The young participants were recruited through a therapeutic community organisation that supports survivors of exile.
For the interviews, an interpreter was often required.
Dr Kenny Chiu, a clinical lecturer at UEA’s Norwich Medical School, explained the gravity of the issues faced: “Unaccompanied child refugees have lost family, safety and a sense of home, and many have been exposed to traumatic events on their journey."
“These young people tend to have gone through more trauma compared to children who arrive with relatives and are more likely to struggle with PTSD or depression."
Insights from the interviews demonstrated overlapping difficulties involving mental and physical pain, exacerbating feelings of isolation.
Participants highlighted how physical pain often prevented engaging in social activities, worsening mental health symptoms.
Most tried to stay busy to distract from past experiences, yet some resorted to alcohol or self-harm, indicating severe distress.
Social connection emerged as a vital element in alleviating anxiety and distressing thoughts.
Activities like cricket, praying, or chatting with friends offered respite, but establishing social bonds proved challenging due to trust issues, hypervigilance, and a lack of social skills.
Feelings of isolation were common throughout their formative years, largely due to parents’ preoccupied efforts to ensure family safety.
Cultural expectations about emotional vulnerability, particularly for boys, discouraged sharing challenges.
Dr Lane revealed the significance of services and professionals in providing a foundation for coping, often acting as surrogate parental figures.
Therapy provided a safe space for openness, with professionals offering skills to help access education, housing, and asylum.
Religion, too, was a source of comfort, reflecting the cultural influences shaping their identity.
Sheila Melzak, former director of the Baobab Centre for Young Survivors in Exile, commented: “Resilience was most likely to develop when learning opportunities were paired with relationships with adults and peers."
"For psychological and cultural reasons, initially unspeakable experiences needed room for reflection."
The study sheds light on the vulnerabilities and resilience of young unaccompanied refugees, underscoring the importance of supportive relationships in their new environment.