Adolescents Who Migrate Alone From the Former Soviet Union to Israel: Battling the Triple Challenge

The current research investigates a unique group of young immigrants who migrated from the former Soviet Union to Israel that faced a triple challenge at the time of their immigration: the developmental stage of adolescence, immigration, and early home leaving. 210 young immigrants who left their parental home at age 15, to enroll in an overseas boarding school program, completed self report measures regarding family environment, relationship with parents, psychological symptoms and immigration motives. Findings suggest that the family environment and the nature of the parent child relationship play an important role in these young immigrants’ experience, starting with their decision to immigrate and following their adjustment after immigration.