Reframing Risk: Strength-Based Approaches to Studying Immigrant Youth Development

"Elements such as lower proficiency in the language of the host country and lack of economic security are what people focus on. Developmental studies on immigrant-origin youth are also often underfunded, which makes it a challenge to proliferate strength-based research on this topic. Indeed, research usually focuses on the problems or challenges they face rather than their strengths or potential."

"In research, immigrant-origin youth have traditionally been portrayed as 'vulnerable', ' at-risk', or 'deficient.' Due to their exposure to migration-related stressors, they are frequently depicted as inherently fragile. These stressors include language barriers, family separation, or displacement. According to this interpretation, immigrant-origin youth require ongoing assistance and protection. Although these factors may exist, these representations often ignore their cultural strengths, autonomy, and adaptability."

Mainstream portrayals emphasize deficits such as limited language proficiency and economic insecurity among immigrant-origin youth. Underfunding of developmental studies limits the production of strength-based research and evidence. Research commonly foregrounds problems and risk factors rather than cultural strengths, autonomy, or adaptability. Risk-focused framing can pathologize ordinary cultural adjustments and position youth as outsiders. Interventions frequently aim to prevent problems instead of fostering thriving, contributing to internalized fragility. Reframing toward resilience, cultural assets, and agency would contextualize challenges and enable strength-based supports that promote flourishing and long-term development.

Read at Psychology Today