Pre-Migration Adversity and Identity Formation in Young Adult Refugees. Does the Attachment Style Matter?

Abstract

The focus of the present study is to determine whether pre-migration adverse experiences have an impact on five dimensions of identity (exploration in breadth, exploration in depth, commitment making, identification with commitment and ruminative exploration) and whether this relationship is moderated by the insecure avoidant attachment style in refugees’ population. 56 young adults refugees of Syrian origin (M = 27.73, SD = 4.87) completed the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Questionnaire. Regression analysis indicated that there is no relationship between pre-migration adversity and the five dimensions of identity. In addition, an insecure-avoidant attachment style moderating the effect of pre-migration adversity on identity development was not evident. The results were not statistically significant; however, this paper advances theoretical propositions. Specifically, it increases awareness of the current situation of refugees’ crisis and guides efforts to improve adaptive functioning by fostering a better understanding of refugees’ identity development and their attachment figures.