Social support in unaccompanied asylum-seeking boys: a case study

Background The situation of unaccompanied asylum‐seeking children (UASC) is characterized by a substantial disruption of the social network and loss of parental support, seriously jeopardizing their psychological well‐being. However, little is known about the role of social support in the lives of UASC. Methods Twelve UASC completed a social support instrument and interview exploring perceived social support and what this implies for both buffering and main effects of social support. Results Asylum centre staff and the ethnic community were the most important resources of support. High importance was ascribed to social companionship as a way of coping. Despite pro‐social efforts towards Belgian peers, this group provided hardly any social support. Conclusions The provision of social support could enhance UASC's well‐being through buffering effects (e.g. social companionship as avoidant/distractive coping) and main effects (acceptance by Belgian peers enhancing self‐esteem). The asylum centre shows a great potential to stimulate UASC's psychological well‐being by expanding the psychosocial function of staff members and community treatment.