Transition to adulthood: experiences of unaccompanied asylum seekers in the UK

This qualitative study with unaccompanied young people seeking asylum in the
UK explores experiences of transition to adulthood. After describing relevant
policies and background information, a literature review shows a need for an indepth
psychological exploration of young people's experiences as they
approach adulthood. Eight male participants aged 15-20 years old, originally
from Afghanistan and Iraq, were recruited through a community organisation
and social services, and were interviewed in English or with interpreters.
Interviews were transcribed and data analysed using interpretative
phenomenological analysis. The analysis resulted in the data being organised
around five themes; loss, uncertainty, living in the present, loneliness and
negotiating adulthood. These are discussed in the context of relevant literature,
using transcript extracts to illustrate themes. The research is critically evaluated,
and the meaning of validity in research conducted from a contextualist position
is discussed, as well as the influence of the interpreters and researcher on the
process. Overall, the findings support research that has suggested that
transition to adulthood may present particular challenges to unaccompanied
minors' emotional wellbeing, and detail is provided about these. Implications for
direct and indirect clinical work, service organisation and policy are discussed.
The findings support the aims articulated in recent social care policy for carerelated
transitions to happen later and more gradually for care-leavers. In terms
of asylum policy, the findings suggest that the prospect of forced returns is
detrimental to psychological wellbeing, as is lack of certain asylum status.

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