Protective factors for resilience in children living in refugee camps : A systematic literature review from 2010-2021

Abstract: Refugee children and adolescents living in refugee camps are a vulnerable population, at high risk for developing mental health disorders, behavioural problems and experiencing violence or trauma. However, not all children exposed to these stressors of displacement show negative outcomes; several refugee children and adolescents show adaptive functioning and resilient outcomes. Given the rising number of refugee minors, it is increasingly important to examine and understand protective factors for resilience among minors living in refugee camps. This knowledge could be used to develop resilience-building programs. This systematic literature review sought to identify protective factors for resilience, and available programs in the refugee camps targeting the development of resilience. Six databases were used for the searching process; ten studies were identified meeting predefined selection criteria and quality standards. Based on bio-ecological theory and the model of “7 Crucial Cs of resilience”, numerous protective factors were identified on multiple levels, including personal resources, social support, education, and connection to culture and community. Findings of this review highlight the need for a multidimensional view of resilience; the use of the “7 Crucial Cs of resilience” showed that focusing only on individual sources of resilience is not sufficient as these individual resources emerge from higher levels and systems. Two intervention programs were identified showing a resilience-building approach. Based on these results, recommendations for interventions and programs in this context are discussed. Limitations and the need for future research on sources of resilience and resilience-building interventions are outlined.