Health resources of young migrants and their possible uses in physical education

The purpose of this study is to explore health resources important to young migrants in Sweden in relation to school PE. The study uses a salutogenic framework, and data were generated through interviews with 20 migrant students aged 15-19 from diverse backgrounds. Vignettes and photos were used as conversational props to facilitate discussion around health and wellbeing. In the analysis, guided by Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence, six health resources related to PE content were identified: (i) Religion, (ii) Family and friends, (iii) Nature, (iv) Physical activity, (v) Freedom and (vi) Education. These resources contributed to the students’ sense of safety, belonging, inner peace and control over their lives. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing and integrating young migrants’ perspectives in physical education. Consequently, the study calls for more inclusive, culturally responsive pedagogies in physical education that recognize the diverse health understandings of migrant youth.