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.

Abstract. Background: Coping is considered to have an important influence on well-being, especially in adolescent refugees dealing with a high amount of stress. In addition, gender differences in coping are a common topic for research and are often attributed to differences in socialization between boys and girls. Aims: The study aims at clarifying the gender differences in coping strategies used by non-Western adolescents. Additionally, associations with aspects of socialization, in particular Gender Role Attitudes (GRA), on gender differences are investigated. Method: Refugees from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan ( N = 106, 55% male) aged 11–18 years completed questionnaires in schools or housing facilities. Associations between gender, GRA, coping strategies, and well-being were investigated using moderation and regression analyses. Results: Gender differences found in previous literature could, in part be replicated. Refugee girls reported more anger-related emotion regulation than boys did. However, GRA did not show any connections to coping strategies. Limitations: Most limitations result from low reliabilities and possible biases due to the use of self-reports. Conclusion: The more frequent use of anger-related emotion regulation as the only gender difference replicated in this study highlights the importance of research with refugee samples to prevent over-generalization of previous results from Western cultures.

Background Young Middle Eastern male refugees are currently among the most vulnerable groups in Europe. Most of them have experienced potentially traumatic events (PTEs) such as rape, torture, or violent assaults. Compared to their peers, young refugees suffer more from internalizing and externalizing symptoms, especially when unaccompanied. Little is known about the cumulative impact of experiencing different types of PTEs on mental health outcomes (polytraumatization) of young male refugees from the Middle East. We investigated (1) whether there is a dose–response relationship between multiple PTE types experienced and mental health outcomes, (2) whether individual types of PTEs are particularly important, and (3) to what extent these are differentially associated with mental health outcomes among unaccompanied or accompanied peers. Methods In total, 151 young Middle Eastern male refugees in Germany (Mage = 16.81 years, SDage = 2.01) answered questionnaires on PTEs, mental health, and post-migration stress. Results Hierarchical regression analyses revealed, while controlling for age, duration of stay, unaccompanied status, and post-migration stress, (1) a dose–effect between PTE types on both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Moreover, (2) regarding internalizing symptoms, violent family separation and experiencing life-threatening medical problems were particularly crucial. The latter was driven by unaccompanied refugees, who also reported higher levels of substance use. Conclusions The results extend findings from the literature and suggest that not only may greater polytraumatization be related to greater depression among refugees, but also to a range of other mental health outcomes from the internalizing and externalizing symptom domains. Furthermore, the results highlight the mental health risks that unaccompanied and accompanied refugee adolescents face after exposure to PTEs, and provide information for practitioners as well as researchers about event types that may be particularly relevant.

The COVID-19 outbreak forced widespread changes in minors’ daily life with a risk of compromising well-being. So far, little is known about how health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of young refugees has developed during this time, although they belong to a vulnerable group. In a cross-sectional analysis during the first year of the pandemic, minors aged 8 to 16 years with and without refugee experience (n each = 156) were surveyed, using self-report questionnaires on HRQoL and perceived COVID-related stress. In a longitudinal analysis with refugee minors aged 8 to 18 years (n = 91) HRQoL and possible relevant predictors (gender, age, duration of stay, mental health) were assessed in 2019 (pre-pandemic). HRQoL was reassessed in 2020 (peri-pandemic). No difference was detected between minors with and without refugee experience in terms of peri-pandemic HRQoL. A proportion of 36% (refugee minors) and 44% (non-refugee minors) reported low peri-pandemic HRQoL. However, refugee minors reported more COVID-related stress (difficulties in following school). Longitudinally, HRQoL of refugee minors increased from pre- to peri-pandemic times. Older age, lower pre-pandemic HRQoL, and pre-pandemic externalizing problem behavior predicted worse peri-pandemic HRQoL. The findings suggest a certain resilience of refugee minors but also show a continued vulnerability. Therefore, minors at risk should be identified and their psychosocial needs addressed.