Understanding Transitional Mental Health and Interpersonal Needs of Newcomer Youth During Resettlement: Seeking Guidance to Strengthen Mental Health Programming
Abstract
This study investigated the supports that newcomer youth may need to promote positive well-being and foster healthy relationships during early resettlement. This study employed qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews with four newcomer youth between the ages of 14 and 21 years old who have been in Canada for at least two years. Interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). The results indicated that newcomer youth experience significant resettlement challenges and barriers including language barriers, culture shock, and feeling lonely and isolated within their new environments. However, newcomer youth participants also reported that they found various strengths and resources that helped them cope with stress and manage their well-being during their initial years in Canada. Newcomer youth also provided recommendations on how to support better future newcomer youth who may be arriving in Canada. Findings from the study contribute to the current literature on newcomer mental health and may guide future researchers to continue to learn about the distinct resettlement needs of newcomer youth. The findings of this study also provide recommendations for systemic and programming strategies (e.g., mental health program development and counselling implications) to improve resettlement efforts and enhance the well-being of newcomer youth in Canada.