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.