Becoming a Better Version of Me: A Study on the Resiliency of Reunified Young Adult Filipino Immigrants in Norway

Abstract

This research study is done on the purpose of exploring the strengths-based perspectives in approaching the immigration topic amongst young adults. Previous conducted studies among immigrant youths’ development and coping are problem-focused and are done in comparison with their non-immigrant peers which is seen to be enforcing of stereotypes and insensitivity to their experiential context. Grounded from the social constructivist view of resilience this study explores the resiliency of the young adult Filipino migrants in Norway using the ecological resilience model. This model views resilience as a process within the individual and with the systems surrounding him/her to include the influence of culture. The phenomenological study is participated by eight (8) Filipino immigrants aged 15-19 years old. The narratives along their lived experience as an immigrant youth in Norway elucidated the process of how their resilience is developed. Their exhibited ability to navigate the resources within themselves and in their environment and to make meaning out of them in approaching adversity is central to their coping. Their resilience is indicated by the strategies they employed in the exercise of self-agency and the creative development of an integrated self-identity that is culturally and contextuality relevant despite challenges.