May 14, 2026 01:33 AM
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1128063
EXCERPTS: From relentless cycles of intrusive memories to loneliness and physical pain - a new study form the University of East Anglia reveals the struggles of refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors. Researchers interviewed refugees who fled Afghanistan as children and endured family separation, human rights abuses, and violence.
Their stories show years of silent suffering, human resilience, and the need for social connection. Dr Kenny Chiu, clinical lecturer from UEA’s Norwich Medical School. said: “Unaccompanied child refugees have lost family, safety and a sense of home, and many have been exposed to traumatic events on their journey. Compared to children who arrive with relatives, these young people tend to have gone through more trauma and are more likely to struggle with things like PTSD or depression.
“Until now, there has been very little research on how former unaccompanied child refugees from the same cultural background cope with a new life in the UK. We wanted to change that, so we sat down with them, listened to their stories, and let their own words guide the research.”
[...] To cope, most kept busy to distract their minds from the past. A small minority described using alcohol and engaging in self‑harm – signs, the researchers say, that indicate the depth of distress that many carry.
Social connection emerged as the single most powerful buffer against distress. Activities like cricket, praying, or having conversations with friends eased the relentless churn of anxiety and distressing thoughts or memories.
However, some described deep loneliness and faced barriers to connecting with others, such as difficulties with trust, hypervigilance, or not having the social skills to develop friendships. Participants also often described feeling isolated while growing up, recalling early years when parents were consumed with worry about the family’s safety, mistrustful of others, or simply preoccupied by caring for a large family.
They also spoke about keeping challenges to themselves, often because emotional vulnerability was discouraged by cultural expectations of boys, alongside feelings of shame and strong values around pride and honour. The team found that this emotional “shutdown” often continued as they settled down in the UK, leaving young refugees socially isolated at the very time they most needed support... (MORE - missing details, no ads)
EXCERPTS: From relentless cycles of intrusive memories to loneliness and physical pain - a new study form the University of East Anglia reveals the struggles of refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors. Researchers interviewed refugees who fled Afghanistan as children and endured family separation, human rights abuses, and violence.
Their stories show years of silent suffering, human resilience, and the need for social connection. Dr Kenny Chiu, clinical lecturer from UEA’s Norwich Medical School. said: “Unaccompanied child refugees have lost family, safety and a sense of home, and many have been exposed to traumatic events on their journey. Compared to children who arrive with relatives, these young people tend to have gone through more trauma and are more likely to struggle with things like PTSD or depression.
“Until now, there has been very little research on how former unaccompanied child refugees from the same cultural background cope with a new life in the UK. We wanted to change that, so we sat down with them, listened to their stories, and let their own words guide the research.”
[...] To cope, most kept busy to distract their minds from the past. A small minority described using alcohol and engaging in self‑harm – signs, the researchers say, that indicate the depth of distress that many carry.
Social connection emerged as the single most powerful buffer against distress. Activities like cricket, praying, or having conversations with friends eased the relentless churn of anxiety and distressing thoughts or memories.
However, some described deep loneliness and faced barriers to connecting with others, such as difficulties with trust, hypervigilance, or not having the social skills to develop friendships. Participants also often described feeling isolated while growing up, recalling early years when parents were consumed with worry about the family’s safety, mistrustful of others, or simply preoccupied by caring for a large family.
They also spoke about keeping challenges to themselves, often because emotional vulnerability was discouraged by cultural expectations of boys, alongside feelings of shame and strong values around pride and honour. The team found that this emotional “shutdown” often continued as they settled down in the UK, leaving young refugees socially isolated at the very time they most needed support... (MORE - missing details, no ads)