Marieke Sleijpen, Serap Keles, Trudy Mooren and Brit Oppedal
This study aims to focus on the avoidance and anxiety attachment patterns among unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) after resettlement in Norway. The authors explored the extent…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the avoidance and anxiety attachment patterns among unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) after resettlement in Norway. The authors explored the extent of stability and change in these attachment patterns and the role of demographic and interpersonal predictors of change in levels of attachment insecurity.
Design/methodology/approach
Three waves of data were analyzed with latent growth curve modeling. The sample consisted of 918 refugees who had arrived in Norway as unaccompanied minor asylum seekers and were granted residence. Of the initial sample, 82% were male and the mean age was 18.6 years (SD = 2.61).
Findings
Results revealed substantial stability in attachment patterns: anxiety patterns did not change over time, while avoidance patterns increased, but only marginally.
Research limitations/implications
A large sample of URMs revealed rather stabile attachment patterns over time, underlining the need for social support that fosters their adjustment processes best. More research is needed to clarify the mechanism underlying the stability and change in attachment patterns and to understand better how these young people can be supported emotionally during their resettlement process in the absence of parental care.
Social implications
Host societies could perhaps invest more in promoting successful and sustainable adult relationships for unaccompanied refugees approaching the age of 18 years. This may help them to cope better with acculturation stressors and negative past experiences and may thereby improve their future mental health and social relationships.
Originality/value
Targeting competencies to develop and maintain close relationships may be particularly important for URM’s, because this may alleviate risks for mental health related to past and current stressors as well as loneliness. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first to investigate stability and change in attachment insecurity among unaccompanied refugees.
Details
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Monica E. Hirst and Bruno Dalponte
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the characteristics of the Latin American participation in the United Nations Mission in Colombia (UNMC), looking into the contributions of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the characteristics of the Latin American participation in the United Nations Mission in Colombia (UNMC), looking into the contributions of regional actors to the peace process in the immediate post-conflict. Testimonies from Latin American actors involved in the demobilization, disarmament and reintegration process help identify their perceptions of strengths and shortcomings of the mission. This paper analyses both the enduring relevance of their individual/institutional trajectories and the adaptations needed to implement the Peace Agreement in the Colombian context.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an exploratory case study. Primary data collection relied on in-depth, semi-structured interviews, allowing the authors to tap into how the trajectories of those involved help explain continuities and innovations of the UNMC regarding previous UN missions.
Findings
This paper argues that cultural factors are central to understand how Latin Americans participated in the UNMC. The design of the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism and the inclusion of a strong gender agenda make the UNMC a salient case, both for scholars studying Latin American presence in peace processes and for those looking into peace building, more generally.
Originality/value
The fieldwork, conducted with military/security forces, UN officials and civilians, has made available a diverse spectrum of testimonies that provide crucial insights into “lessons learned”, contributing to tracing the trajectories of these actors and providing insights for the improvement of future political and peacebuilding multilateral missions.