Karakter project

Around the world, the number of people who seek or have refugee status is increasing. Within the Netherlands, there are at least 200,000 people with refugee status, many of whom are young adults of Syrian origin. Young adults who seek or have refugee status are likely to come from places where they have been exposed to major life-changing hardship, affecting their mental health and well-being. The difficult times that young adults who seek or have refugee status often face can bring about many challenges. However, they may also lead these young adults to experience personal growth, in the form of character development. Until now, there is very little research about how this happens. There are social and financial complications of integrating people who have resettled in the Netherlands into their new communities, making it important to better our understanding of adaptation and growth in people who have been exposed to trauma and chronic stress. The primary aim of the Karakter project is to identify factors of positive development in young adults of Syrian origin. The results of this study can provide knowledge on how to further the prosperity of young adults who have resettled in the Netherlands as they continue to grow and build communities. Karakter is directed by Joanne M. Chung and Odilia M. Laceulle in conjunction with Tilburg University and Utrecht University. This research is funded by the John Templeton Foundation as part of the Pathways to Character initiative.