Tensions in Cultural Identity and Sense of Belonging for Internally Displaced Adolescents in Ukraine

This article examines the cultural, educational and mental health consequences of large-scale internal displacement for children adolescents from Donbas to other parts Ukraine. The research findings methodological innovations study are discussed in context forced migration caused by previous (2014) armed conflict East Ukraine with additional challenges posed Covid-19 pandemic. Our data collection was halted military action that started February 2022 has another wave migration. We reflect on experience gained conducting sensitive topics using online methods environment restricted access schools adolescents. who were interviewed described their experiences displacement, which some had taken place nearly eight years before. Trauma can have health, social displaced These young people families face, as internally populations, a double-edged sword relationship new contexts. They often numerous settling location public sphere given existing ethnic, cultural language diversity yet advantage being able adopt adapt socio-cultural contexts relatively quickly minimise pre-migration identities, if they so wish.