Prevention of Psychological Distress and Promotion of Resilience Amongst Unaccompanied Refugee Minors in Resettlement Countries

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Abstract

As increasing numbers of unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) are arriving in Europe, there is a need to investigate which factors promote psychological resilience and improve their mental health. This review aims to identify preventive post settlement influences, including living arrangements, access to mental health services, and effective treatments that may improve mental health outcomes. A systematic literature review was conducted of published papers in any language for children (< 18 years) entering a host country, unaccompanied and seeking asylum. Thirteen published quantitative studies were identified. URMs in more supportive living arrangements including foster care had lower risk of PTSD and lower depressive symptoms compared with those in semi-independent care arrangements. URMs living in reception settings that restricted freedom had more anxiety symptoms. In conclusion, higher support living arrangements with low restrictions are associated with lower psychological distress. Most URMs are not receiving psychological interventions, and there is a dearth of studies evaluating treatment effectiveness for this group. There is an urgent need for more research to investigate pathways to mental health services and treatment efficacy in this vulnerable group.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What works to improve mental health of refugee children and adults?

There is very strong evidence that numerous interventions are effective in improving the mental health of child and adult refugees. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused interventions (TF), and psycho-education (PE) have been shown to improve symptoms related to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or general distress in refugee populations. Furthermore, cultural adaptations of these…

About this study

AGE: Adolescents and/or Youth

AGE: Children

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Inconclusive or mixed impact

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High Income

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: Upper Middle Income

INTERVENTION DURATION: Varies by study

INTERVENTION: Mental health and psychosocial support services

OUTCOME AREA: Anxiety Reduction

OUTCOME AREA: Depression Reduction

OUTCOME AREA: General Distress Reduction

OUTCOME AREA: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Reduction

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Strong

TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2019

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