Character Strengths as Coping Strategies for Daily Challenges: A Qualitative Study Among Adult Refugees

• DOI: 10.1007/s41042-024-00211-z
• Publication Date: 2025-02-08T08:01:54Z
• Authors: Tom Hendriks; Jorien van Treeck; Ranim Chaya; Joop T. V. M. de ...; Marianne van Woerkom

Character strengths are positive traits and qualities that an integral part of individual's personality. These can function as protective factors against mental disorders by providing traumatized refugees with resources tools to cope stressors daily challenges. The purpose the current study was explore role character in Netherlands their problem-focused and/or emotional-focused coping strategies deal We interviewed 26 who attained a temporary asylum residence permit lived seeker center (AZC) or municipality Netherlands. Qualitative data analyses yielded five key strengths, namely self-regulation, perseverance, gratitude, love learning, hope. Patience adaptability were two additional specific self-regulation techniques. Our findings also suggest shift from emotion-focused during stay at towards when living municipality. Depending on migration phase which find themselves, they apply different relation strategies. Interventions aim increase well-being contribute successful integration into society should consider relevant contextual factors, addition cultural factors. online version contains supplementary material available 10.1007/s41042-024-00211-z.