Understanding Refugee Adolescents’ Occupational Participation Challenges Through the Kawa Model: A Thematic Analysis

The Kawa model effectively illuminated the complex factors that influence the lives of refugee adolescents. Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive, holistic occupational therapy interventions addressing both barriers and facilitators to participation. Plain-Language Summary: Using the Kawa model, this study explored the daily life challenges and hopes of refugee adolescents in Turkey. Financial issues, health and safety concerns, and past trauma were identified as major obstacles, or "rocks in their life river." Strong family ties functioned as supportive "river walls," whereas the educational journey and hopes for the future were seen as "driftwood" and "open spaces" for progress. Occupational therapy should address both difficulties and strengths to help these young people thrive. Positionality Statement: At the time of the study, the lead author (Emine Sağlamoğlu) was a research assistant and occupational therapist with experience working with disadvantaged youths. The second author (Hatice Abaoğlu) was an associate professor specializing in mental health and qualitative research. The multidisciplinary research team, possessing expertise in participation problems and occupational performance, conducted all interviews. A researcher with 10 yr of occupational therapy experience finalized the interview questions.