Twenty-third International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

This study employed phenomenological methodology to understand the lived experiences of 2G refugees’ experiences growing up with trauma-affected refugee parents. Narratives of six participants revealed important glimpses into their lives, offering thoughtful insights about how their parents’ trauma affected them as children growing up. Their journey unfolded in four sequential phases with specific characteristics. The first phase involved a growing realization of the ongoing burden influenced by the past trauma inflicted on their parents. This led 2G refugees to navigate their developmental tasks and life alone, without parental guidance that ‘fit’ the challenges of their new environment. Eventually, 2G refugees found belonging and connection in communities outside their families but fostered sibling relationships contributing to solidarity and support. The final phase of their journey involved a growing recognition of and respect for their parents’ humanness. They were able to honor their parents’ sacrifices to give them a better chance at life, and they did not hide the pain and loss that permeated their adolescent years, freely expressing grief over those losses. Due to trauma experienced by their parents, their identity development became more salient, increasing awareness in real-time.