Adversity Meaning in the Lived Experiences of Adolescents Living in Residential Out-of-Home Care Centers: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: The adversities experienced by adolescents in residential care centers greatly affect different aspects of their life. The objective of this study was to shed light on the meaning of adversity by exploring the lived experience of adolescents living in Tehran residential care centers affiliated to the Welfare Organization of Tehran Province. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2019, using a hermeneutic phenomenological method. The data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and, the data collection process continued until the data saturation point. A total of 10 adolescents living in residential out-of-home care centers of Tehran were selected using purposive sampling with a maximum variety in terms of demographic characteristics. The data collected from the interviews were analyzed using van Manen’s approach. Results: The themes extracted in this study were “Self-alienation”, “Introspection”, “Constant comparison”, and “A secret life”. Constant comparison was a unique theme that was found in the experience of Iranian adolescents living in residential care centers. Conclusion: This study identified the life adversity in residential centers from the viewpoint of adolescents. The provision of holistic care, promotion of professional interactions, and application of management practices based on the developmental, psychological, and social needs of this group of high-risk adolescents are recommended