New beginnings and old wounds: a qualitative exploration of the dual transition process of young refugees in Norway

How do young refugees rebuild their lives when thrust into a new country during childhood or adolescence? To answer this question, we used a modified McAdams life story interview. We explored the narratives of eight participants, aged 21–45, who arrived in Norway between the ages of 8 and 17. They have lived in Norway for 13–30 years. Through explorative-reflexive thematic analysis, we uncovered the intertwining of youth development with the upheaval of forced migration. Two main themes emerged from our participants’ stories: the promise of fresh beginnings, and the weight of loss and overwhelming events. Within these broader themes, four subthemes traced their emotional and existential passage: “A new world: First encounter with Norway,” “The backstory that makes you vulnerable,” “Finding belongingness through hard work: Schooling and career,” and “Gratitude for opportunities: contrasting actual and potential life outcomes.” These themes reveal how past trauma and uncertainty coexist with hope and resilience. Participants often turned their hardships into fuel for growth, particularly when bolstered by social bonds and institutional opportunities. Their stories show that integration springs not from individual effort alone, but from the interplay of personal determination and societal support. This study deepens our understanding of young refugees’ dual transition and highlights how both community connection and personal meaning-making shape successful adjustment to life in a new land.