Young adult Indian immigrants’ experiences of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Abstract

South Africa has been receiving migrants from all over the world and is known to host the largest Indian population outside of India. Indians have been migrating to various parts of the world, including South Africa. When entering this country, the main member of the family is migrating with the family including their adolescent child(ren). The migrant adolescent faces various challenges from adapting to the new environment to adjusting to the new culture they are exposed to. With an inherent need to belong in a new country, the question is raised regarding how is this navigated and experienced in the realm of family and school. Some argue that family structure plays a vital role in managing the adverse experiences arising from external situations. This study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge by using the theory of family systems and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to explore the young Indian immigrants’ experiences of ACEs in South Africa. The participants consisted of young Indian immigrants who immigrated as an adolescent, and the data obtained was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study reveal that migrant adolescents found it challenging to acculturate initially; they also experienced discrimination, marginalisation and general lack of inclusion in the education system. Their relationships with their families were also affected as their parents also struggled with issues of acculturation. The findings contribute to understanding the long-term impact of migration on adolescent development and highlight the resilience and adaptability fostered through challenging early experiences. Lastly, the study reveals that as young adults they felt that the migration experience in their youth had taught them adaptive strategies to navigate their lives.