Well-Being and Resources of Minors With Refugee Background in Comparison to Minors With Migration or Native Background

Abstract

Background: Studies on the health of minors with refugee background (RM) often focus on symptoms and risks. In contrast to these deficit-oriented approaches, the present study examined well-being and resources of RM. Aims: The aim was to get an overview of the extent to which RM differ from both minors with migration (MM) as well as native (NM) background regarding well-being and resources. In addition, the study sought to identify resources of RM that are significant for well-being. General personal and social resources, religious identity and practice as well as multicultural resources (bilingualism, ethnic identity) were examined. Method: The study was conducted in Germany with minors aged 8–16 years. RM (n = 209), MM (n = 535) and NM (n = 858) completed questionnaires. Comparative analyses and multiple regression analyses were computed. Results: RM showed lower well-being and fewer social resources than MM and NM. For personal resources, the group differences were less consistent. Personal and social resources predicted the well-being of minors. While multicultural resources were not significant, especially the resources sense of coherence, integration into peer group, and religious identity positively predicted the well-being of RM. Limitations: The group of MM is very heterogeneous. Further studies should differentiate the group of MM more precisely. Conclusion: The differences in well-being among RM, MM and NM can largely be explained by differences in resources. Religious identity is an important available resource for RM. Sense of coherence and integration into peer groups should be given special attention in health promotion for RM.