Echoes of resilience: young refugees’ experiences in a closed controlled access centre from a salutogenic perspective

Purpose This study explores the lived experiences and resilience-enhancing factors among young refugees residing in a closed controlled access centre in Greece. This study aims to inform Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services by examining how these individuals cope with stressors and build resilience in a refugee camp setting. Design/methodology/approach Nine young asylum seekers participated in three distinct mini focus groups, each organised by native language group. A thematic analysis was conducted to explore participants’ experiences and associated behaviours through a salutogenic lens. Findings Three main themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme, “refugee experiences”, captures the challenges refugees face throughout their migration journey. It includes “traumatic migration trajectories”, referring to exposure to war, violence and forced displacement in the home country, as well as perilous travel experiences. Additionally, it encompasses “post-migration powerlessness”, which highlights the loss of control, uncertainty, hostility and systemic barriers encountered in the host country. The second theme, “psychological processes”, encompasses the internal struggles and adaptive mechanisms that occur alongside external challenges. This theme includes subthemes such as “negative emotions” (e.g. fear, anxiety and grief), “dysfunctional reactions” (e.g. psychophysiological disturbances, harmful and risky behaviours) and “coping strategies” (e.g. emotion regulation, meaning-making, self-sacrifice, self-enhancement, seeking support and avoidant distraction). The third theme, “social support”, emphasises the protective role of interpersonal relationships and community belonging in refugees’ mental health. The subthemes “shared community values” (e.g. shared moral principles and collective action) and “sense of belonging” (e.g. attachment and group identity) underscore the critical importance of social connectedness in strengthening resilience. The results are organised and discussed using a thematic map, illustrating how these factors interact. The findings are consistent with Antonovsky’s salutogenic approach, highlighting the pivotal role of sense of coherence and generalised resistance resources in enhancing refugee well-being. Originality/value This study contributes to the broader discourse on refugee well-being by applying Antonovsky’s salutogenic approach. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between individual psychological processes and community-level support systems in promoting resilience among young refugees. The use of thematic analysis provides a structured method for identifying and discussing key resilience factors, offering valuable insights for the development of targeted MHPSS interventions.