Migration, Integration, Discrimination (MIND)

Millions of people leave their country of birth every year, because of war and conflict, economic strain and poverty, natural disaster, political or religious oppression, or corrupt government. The European Union, especially the Nordic states is a major destination for people who have fled their home country. Today, around 10% of the European Union (EU) population consists of first-generation (i.e., foreign-born) immigrants. Children and youth comprise a large portion of the immigrant population.

A major motivation for migrating to another country is having opportunities for work, education, equal treatment, and security. Nevertheless, establishing a new life in a new country could be quite challenging due to language barriers, cultural differences, economic adversities, and ethnic/racial discrimination. Despite all the challenges, some immigrants successfully adjust to their new life and socially integrate into the host society whereas some others continue to experience challenges.

The MIND (Migration, IntegratioN, and Discrimination) research group aims to develop an understanding of why some immigrant youth adjust and socially integrate well whereas others experience difficulties. Using both developmental and ecological perspectives, we focus on the role of family setting, school context (e.g., peers, teachers, and school climate), and extracurricular activity setting in promoting or hindering the development of inter-ethnic relationships, identity development, socio-emotional and school adjustment of immigrant youth. We also conduct research on how to promote the adjustment and integration of newly arrived refugees and develop interventions that may help refugee youth and parents overcome the challenges during their resettlement process.