Crisis within crisis: the psychosocial toll of Lebanon鈥檚 economic and political turmoil on Syrian refugee adolescents
This report explores Syrian refugee adolescents鈥� opportunities to exercise voice and agency in their family and community
Abstract
Syrian refugee adolescents in crisis-stricken Lebanon are facing growing challenges to their overall well-being, including their psychosocial well-being. With almost all the Syrian population in Lebanon sinking into severe poverty, the country鈥檚 compound crisis is taking a heavy toll on the mental health and psychosocial well-being of ever more vulnerable Syrian refugees. Isolation and mental health problems have been increasing among Syrian refugees, particularly adolescents and young people, as a direct result of the pressures caused by the economic crisis. Stigma surrounding mental health and lack of access to support services threatens the psychosocial well-being of all adolescents, but especially married girls.
This report explores the impacts of this compound crisis on Syrian refugee adolescents鈥� psychosocial well- being and their opportunities to exercise voice and agency in their family and community. Drawing on a capabilities approach, the report presents findings from participatory research undertaken with 30 Syrian refugee adolescent girls and boys in Lebanon between 2019 and 2022. It explores gendered differences in voice and agency, and psychosocial well-being, by focusing on adolescents鈥� lived experiences amid the turbulent and deteriorating socioeconomic and political environment. It concludes with recommendations for policy and programming so that refugee adolescents can be supported to reach their full capabilities.
This is an output of the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) programme
Citation
Youssef, S., Jones, N., Ma艂achowska, A., and Saleh, M. (2022) Crisis within crisis: the psychosocial toll of Lebanon鈥檚 economic and political turmoil on Syrian refugee adolescents. Report. London: Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence.