The Relationship Between Social Adaptation, Ontological Well-Being, and Psychological Resilience Among Syrian Refugees

This study aims to examine the relationship between social adaptation, psychological resilience, and ontological well-being levels among Syrian refugees living in Türkiye, as well as to identify the demographic factors that may be associated with social adaptation. Conducted based on a quantitative research design, the study employed a descriptive and correlational survey model. The sample consisted of 241 Syrian refugees. Participants were aged between 18 and 25. Data were collected using the Social Adaptation Scale for Migrants, the Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Ontological Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analyses. Descriptive analyses presented the mean scores and standard deviations for participants’ social adaptation dimensions, psychological resilience, and ontological well-being dimensions. According to the correlation analysis, there were significant positive relationships between the dimensions of social adaptation, psychological resilience, and the dimensions of ontological well-being. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analyses showed that psychological resilience and specific dimensions of ontological well-being independently predicted different dimensions of social adaptation after controlling for demographic characteristics. In addition, age, length of stay in Türkiye, and ethnic identity variables were found to be associated with social adaptation. The results show that psychological resilience and distinct dimensions of ontological well-being make independent contributions to different aspects of social adaptation among Syrian immigrants. The future studies are recommended to investigate the relationship between ontological well-being and adaptation of refugees.