In societal discourse and academic research, individuals with immigration backgrounds are often portrayed as vulnerable and at risk. The term "risk" includes internalizing and externalizing issues such as poor mental health and adjustment difficulties. Despite increasing research on resilience and strengths-based approaches, psychological and prevention research remains focused on deficits. For instance, a keyword search on the Web of Science database for peerreviewed publications revealed that approximately 25% of studies on immigrant children and adolescents focused on some form of risk, while only around 3% listed resilience or strength as keywords.
Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses demonstrated that interventions for individuals with immigrant backgrounds predominantly focused on mental health. Although mental health challenges may be more prevalent among individuals with immigrant backgrounds compared to the majority population, especially with those who experienced displacement and trauma, mental health support represents only one aspect of the broader spectrum of psychosocial needs among those with immigration experience.
Building on this background, we will first provide an overview of current research and the portrayal of youth and families with immigration backgrounds. Following this, we will discuss the shortcomings of deficit-based approaches in prevention research. Finally, we will propose a contextualized developmental approach that may facilitate the development and implementation of strengths-based approaches to promote adjustment and well-being of immigrants and refugees.
In summary, this paper aims to challenge the prevailing negative discourse about immigrant youth and parents as vulnerable and at-risk. Instead, the paper will discuss how a strengths-based approach may move prevention research targeting these groups forward, while also helping overcome the negative portrayal of immigrants and refugees as inherently at-risk.