Exploring the Determinants that Contribute to and Promote the Wellbeing of Immigrant and Refugee Children in Canada: a Multi-Method Participatory Study

Given the large number of immigrant and refugee children coming to Western countries, there is a need to examine the determinants of wellbeing among this group, considering their perceptions and subjective experiences. The aim of this study was to explore and identify the determinants that contribute to and promote the wellbeing of immigrant and refugee children aged 6–13 settled in Canada. This study was informed by the social-ecological framework and used interviews and drawing to collect data with children (n = 16) and their parents (n = 9). Data were collected virtually during October - December 2021. Our data suggest that immigrant-refugee children’s wellbeing is influenced by individual characteristics, relationships with their surroundings, and organizational/community factors. Data also suggest that wider societal policy and practice changes are necessary to enhance the wellbeing of this group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the determinants of the wellbeing of middle-aged immigrant-refugee children in Canada. Moreover, this study contributes to research strategies that advocate for children as active participants in studies, where children are not only involved in collecting and interpreting data but also given the opportunity to provide advice on what can be done to improve their surroundings in order to make them happier.