Resettlement stressors and family factors in refugee child and adolescent psychopathology
This chapter outlines some of the main stress and protective factors for the mental health of young refugees in resettlement countries. On arrival in resettlement countries the reception for asylum seekers and refugees varies. Some, especially those in sponsored programmes, many receive high support, but many experience hostility, financial hardship, and legal uncertainties. The family may be a buffer to these adversities, but parental psychopathology and strained family relationships may contribute to childhood psychological distress and psychiatric disorder. Unaccompanied refugee minors have experienced higher levels of pre-migration adversities and losses than their accompanied peers, and so are particularly vulnerable. They are less distressed, with higher levels of support, but this may not be offered if their age is disputed. They may experience ongoing daily hassles and acculturative stress. While refugee youngsters have an elevated prevalence of psychiatric disorders especially post-traumatic stress disorder after arrival, over time most achieve improved mental health.