ABSTRACT
The quest of identity and examination of one’s own sociocultural and family background is characteristic for adolescent development. This chapter discusses the twofold challenge of establishing a stable self while experiencing the transitions of migration for young, and especially unattended, refugees. Adolescent separation-individuation drives are entangled with the processing of loss while transcultural experiences may render the self-image more unstable. It will be shown that diverse factors of inner growth and resilience, arising mostly in a safe, helping environment with stable relationships and the possibility of being an active participant, can put an end to the state of victimhood or disruption. Achieving a secure psychosocial and cultural identity can indicate a positive long-term outcome for immigrant youth and their receiving countries.
