Pathways to Resilience IV: Global South Perspectives

Resilience in the Midst of Conflict and Displacement

Abstract #242
Title: Refugee children and youth: Mental health issues and effective support practices.
Presenter: Anne Marshall (Victoria University, Canada)
Co-Author: Tricia Roche, Elaine Halsall
Introduction: A global migration crisis has resulted in unprecedented numbers of refugees worldwide. Almost half of these refugees are children and youth fleeing war, persecution, starvation, and other trauma; they may be with family members but a distressing large number are on their own. Many need mental health services and support.
Methods:  This paper focuses on the diverse mental health issues and challenges refugee youth and families face and on the mental health counselling and support practices reported to be effective in the literature and among practitioners. In spite of adversities and traumatic experiences, many young refugees also demonstrate significant resilience, perseverance, and adaptability; acknowledging these strengths together with providing appropriate support is the hallmark of effective refugee resettlement programs and initiatives.
Findings: Child and youth refugee context is presented first, followed by mental health problems, barriers to service engagement, and suggestions for effective mental health interviewing and counselling that promotes resilience among refugees. We conclude with recommendations for mental health practitioners, researchers, and policy makers who are assisting refugee children and families.

Abstract #119
Title: Improving Resilient Capacities in Caretakers of Children from Areas in Colombia severely affected by the Armed Conflict 
Presenter: Lina Maria Gonzalez Ballesteros (Fundación Saldarriaga Concha, Colombia)
Co-Authors: Lilliana Angelica Ponguta, Jose Flores, Felipe Bolivar, Ana Maria Hoyos, Alejandro Diaz
Introduction: By 2016, armed conflict in Colombia has resulted in the forced displacement of over six million people, the second highest internal migration in the world after Syria. Validating instruments for assessing (population level) resilience is fundamental in the evaluation of nationwide interventions.
Methods: We validated the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale CD-RISC (25) among hard-to-reach, highly vulnerable populations in Colombia. We recruited 1,479 female (94.72%) and 101 (5.28%) male primary caregivers of children under 5-years of age. The mean age of caregivers was 29.21 years (SD 8.34) Caregivers were recruited through non-probabilistic convenience sampling in 14 municipalities with high exposure to armed conflict, direct presence of armed groups, geographic association with drug trafficking routes, or in receptor areas of displaced rural communities. A comprehensive demographic and mental health survey was conducted. Validity, reliability assessment and factor analyses were conducted.
Findings: Our analyses confirmed a 5-factor structure for CD-RISC in this population. The scale reliability coefficient was ?=0.90. This is the first study to validate a widely used resilience scale with sufficient power in Colombia. We discuss the utility and applicability of this measure for characterizations of resilience in the country.