Serial Dual Mediating Effects of Self-Esteem and Peer Support in the Relationship Between Acculturative Stress and Life Satisfaction Among Refugee Children in Korea

The purpose of this study is to verify the serial mediating effects of self-esteem and peer support in the relationship between acculturative stress and life satisfaction of refugee children living in Korea and to explore social work implications for the adaptation and development of refugee children. Primary data from a 2023 study was used, based on 71 research participants (33 boys, 38 girls) included in the analysis. Results of the study are as follows: First, refugee children's acculturative stress had a positive effect on their life satisfaction. Second, self-esteem and peer support had a serial dual mediating effect on the impact of refugee children's acculturative stress on life satisfaction. Based on these results, social work policy and practice implications were discussed in order to ameliorate acculturative stress and improve self-esteem and peer support of refugee children living in Korea.