Social Determinants of the Mental Health of Young Migrants
Background: Young migrants face particular risks to develop mental health problems. Discrimination and social support impact mental health, yet little is known about the differential impact thereof on mental health in newcomers, non-newcomer migrants, and non-migrants. Aim: This study sheds light on...
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Veröffentlicht in: | European journal of health psychology 2022-01, Vol.29 (1), p.61-73 |
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Zusammenfassung: | Background: Young migrants face particular risks to develop
mental health problems. Discrimination and social support impact mental health,
yet little is known about the differential impact thereof on mental health in
newcomers, non-newcomer migrants, and non-migrants. Aim: This
study sheds light on mental health (posttraumatic stress, behavioral problems,
hyperactivity, emotional distress, peer relationship problems, prosocial
behavior) and the overall well-being of newcomers, non-newcomer migrants, and
non-migrants. Furthermore, the impact of social support and discrimination on
mental health is investigated. Method: Descriptive analysis and
Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were applied to analyze responses of 2,320
adolescents through self-report questionnaires in Finland, Sweden, and the UK.
Results: Newcomers, non-newcomer migrants, and non-migrants
have different psychological profiles. While newcomers suffer more from
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and peer problems, non-newcomers and
non-migrants report more hyperactivity. Discrimination strongly threatens all
mental health dimensions, while support from family serves as a protective
factor. Support from friends has a positive impact on PTSD among newcomers.
Limitations: As this study has a cross-sectional design,
conclusions about causality cannot be drawn. In addition, history of traumatic
life events or migration trajectory was lacking, while it may impact mental
health. Conclusion: Different mental health profiles of
newcomers, non-newcomer migrants, and non-migrants point to the need for a
tailored and diversified approach. Discrimination remains a risk factor for
mental health, while family support is a protective factor for adolescents.
Interventions that foster social support from friends would be especially
beneficial for newcomers. |
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ISSN: | 2512-8442 2512-8450 2512-8450 |
DOI: | 10.1027/2512-8442/a000097 |