dc.description.abstract | The majority of previous research on refugee adolescents and youth focused on
psychopathology, and evidence on positive capacities such as hope remains scarce even though
there are findings indicating they are important contributors to refugees’ mental health. The
aim of this research was to explore the meaning, role, and sources of hope among refugee
adolescents and youth. A qualitative methodology was applied and 11 full semi-structured
interviews were conducted with refugees from 15 to 24 years of age (Mage = 19.18, SDage =
2.82, 73% males), from 8 Middle Eastern and African countries. Thematic analysis and
emphatic interpretation were used and four main themes emerged – Nature of hope, Hope-goal
interaction, Function of hope, and Keeping hope. The results imply that, mostly, participants
perceive hope as something that is learned throughout life, and not as something that is
hereditary. Moreover, hope is perceived as non-linear – it can be enhanced but also decreased
or lost, and sometimes it is closely tied to life events refugees are facing. A highly salient
perception is that hope is closely tied to particular goals and is not general and independent.
Some of the participants viewed hope as the last resort when there is nothing else that can be
done and some of them view hope as the most important when referring to goals that are highly
controllable. The function of hope is perceived as two-fold – on one hand, it can serve as
consolation, peace, and calmness, and on the other hand, it can motivate, empower and
encourage. Finally, it is noted that common sources of hope (e.g., family, friends) are not
available to participants, while other refugees on the road do not have the emotional and
physical capacities to lift hope. Hence, the only available sources of hope mentioned by the
participants is self-reliance (e.g., proactive approach, emotional regulation) and professional
support (psychologists, teachers, legal guardians). Support in lifting hope can be various:
instrumental, informational, and emotional, while some qualities of support are also stressed
as important in lifting hope – how we talk, our presence and continuity of support, and strictly
avoiding providing fake hope to refugee adolescents and youth. Although the limitation of this
study is a small sample size, it improves the overall understanding of hope in refugee
adolescents and youth, its meaning, role, and sources, and is mostly discussed in terms of
practical relevance in direct work. | sr |