Perceptions of Belonging Amongst Karen Youth With Refugee Backgrounds in Australia

Young people with refugee backgrounds experience increased vulnerability to mental health issues related to forcible displacement disrupting their developmental trajectory and cultural continuity. During resettlement, they may face challenges with sense of belonging in consolidating their cultural identity with that of a new nation. Belonging is a basic human need which is positively associated with various well-being indicators, including psychological outcomes. The Karen are an ethnolinguistic minority originating from Burma, many of whom have been displaced. This qualitative study utilised reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews to explore factors that Karen young people living in regional Victoria, Australia, perceived as contributing to or detracting from their sense of belonging. Five Karen young people with refugee backgrounds (aged 17–22 years) were interviewed. Four key themes influencing sense of belonging were developed: (1) language and connection: reaching out and reaching in; (2) service availability and basic needs: ‘a lot of support’ but ‘many barriers’; (3) freedom and opportunities: ‘no restrictions’ but ‘too much stuff’ and (4) community and social engagement: organised and impromptu opportunities. The findings highlight both the positive and challenging contribution of these factors to sense of belonging, and areas where further support for Karen young people may be beneficial.