scholarly journals 'Protection or punishment?' The implications of detention on the mental health and well-being of migrants, a review of the literature.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Stagg
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Immigration Detention ◽  
The World ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: The number of individuals forced to leave their home and seek asylum in other countries has risen alongside political instability, conflict and persecution in many parts of the world. These individuals are therefore extremely vulnerable. Many asylum-seekers have witnessed and experienced traumatic events that have contributed to mental illness. Detention is often used to incarcerate asylum-seekers who are waiting for asylum decisions to be made, however many are held in inadequate conditions for long periods of time. With governments using immigration detention increasingly more often, there are serious questions surrounding the impact this has on the mental health of detainees.Methods: A systematic review was undertaken using a comprehensive search strategy across six databases. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included in the review providing that the mental health implications of immigration detention were explored or measured. Grey literature was also searched. The quality of the included studies were appraised and a narrative synthesis conducted in order to establish the main findings of the review. The results of the narrative synthesis were included in a conceptual model that explains how detention works to influence mental health. Results: 22 studies were included in the review. Six themes were identified from analysis of study findings from around the world. Five of those themes also occurred within studies conducted within the UK. In both the UK and globally: detention was associated with poor and deteriorating mental health outcomes; specific conditions inside detention centres were found to contribute to poor mental health; longer durations spent in detention were associated with poorer mental health outcomes; several negative behavioural and emotional responses to the detention experience were observed – particularly in children; the trauma of detention and mental health difficulties developed while in detention remained with individuals after release. In addition to these five themes, a higher number of relocations between detention centres contributed to greater mental distress among detainees outside the UK.Conclusions: This review provides evidence to suggest that an association exists between immigration detention and poor mental health outcomes and that many of the mediators of this relationship are universal. The findings of this paper have several implications for further research and policy. The UK must end indefinite detention and move towards alternative solutions for dealing with asylum-seekers. Detention should only be used as a last resort. Vulnerable individuals, such as children and individuals with existing mental health issues should never be detained. Finally, greater care should be taken to ensure that families with young children are not separated from one-another. Due to the implications of the findings included in this review, it is vital that scientific research of this type is allowed to continue. Future research must evaluate the feasibility and suitability of alternative policies to detention.

scholarly journals Loneliness in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: Cross-sectional results from The COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Groarke ◽  
Emma Berry ◽  
Lisa Graham-Wisener ◽  
Phoebe McKenna-Plumley ◽  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Loneliness is a significant public health issue. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in lockdown measures limiting social contact. The UK public are worried about the impact of these measures on mental health outcomes. Understanding the prevalence and predictors of loneliness at this time is a priority issue for research. Design: The study employed a cross-sectional online survey design. Method: Baseline data collected between March 23rd and April 24th 2020 from UK adults in the COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study were analysed (N = 1963, 18-87 years, M = 37.11, SD = 12.86, 70% female). Logistic regression analysis was used to look at the influence of sociodemographic, social, health and COVID-19 specific factors on loneliness. Results: The prevalence of loneliness was 27% (530/1963). Risk factors for loneliness were younger age group (OR: 4.67 – 5.31), being separated or divorced (OR: 2.29), meeting clinical criteria for major depression (OR: 1.74), greater emotion regulation difficulties (OR: 1.04), and poor quality sleep due to the COVID-19 crisis (OR: 1.30). Higher levels of social support (OR: 0.92), being married/co-habiting (OR: 0.35) and living with a great number of adults (OR: 0.87) were protective factors. Conclusions: Rates of loneliness during the initial phase of lockdown were high. Risk factors were not specific to the COVID-19 crisis. Findings suggest that supportive interventions to reduce loneliness should prioritise younger people and those with mental health symptoms. Improving emotion regulation and sleep quality may be optimal initial targets to reduce the impact of COVID-19 regulations on mental health outcomes.

Mental Health Supports and Young People Transitioning from Out-of-home Care in Victoria

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adina Rahamim ◽  
Philip Mendes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Childhood Abuse ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Out Of Home Care ◽  
The Impact

Young people transitioning from out-of-home care (OHC) are a vulnerable group. One particular manifestation of disadvantage is poor mental health outcomes which may reflect both the traumatic effects of childhood abuse, and a lack of support on leaving care. This article presents the findings of a small qualitative study undertaken in Victoria which explored the views of OHC and mental health service providers regarding the mental health support needs of care leavers. The findings are consistent with existing research results internationally in highlighting a number of key factors that influence mental health outcomes including the impact of pre-care, in-care and transition from care experiences.

scholarly journals A three-wave network analysis of COVID-19's impact on schizotypal traits, paranoia and mental health through loneliness

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keri Ka-Yee Wong ◽  
Wang yi ◽  
Gianluca Esposito ◽  
Adrian Raine
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Peer Review Process ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Anxiety Depression

**This manuscript has been submitted for publication and is likely to be edited as part of the peer-review process. Correspondence regarding this paper should be addressed to Keri Ka-Yee Wong, [email protected].**Background. The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted people’s mental wellbeing. Studies to date have examined the prevalence of mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, loneliness), yet fewer longitudinal studies have compared across background factors and other psychological variables to identify vulnerable sub-groups. This study tests to what extent higher levels of psychotic-like experiences – indexed by schizotypal traits and paranoia – are associated with various mental health variables 6- and 12-months since April 2020.Methods. Over 2,300 adult volunteers (18-89 years, female=74.9%) with access to the study link online were recruited from the UK, USA, Greece, and Italy. Self-reported levels of schizotypy, paranoia, anxiety, depression, aggression, loneliness, and stress from three timepoints (17 April to 13 July 2020, N1 =1,599; 17 October to 31 January 2021, N2 =774; and 17 April to 31 July 2021, N3 =586) were mapped using network analysis and compared across time and background variables (sex, age, income, country). Results. Schizotypal traits and paranoia were positively associated with poorer mental health through loneliness, with no effect of age, sex, income levels, countries, and timepoints. Loneliness was the most influential variable across all networks, despite overall reductions in levels of loneliness, schizotypy, paranoia, and aggression during the easing of lockdown. Individuals with higher levels of schizotypal traits/paranoia reported poorer mental health outcomes than individuals in the low-trait groups.Conclusion. Schizotypal traits and paranoia are associated with poor mental health outcomes through self-perceived loneliness, suggesting that increasing social/community cohesion may improve individuals’ mental wellbeing in the long run.

scholarly journals Prospective examination of mental health in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ru Jia ◽  
Holly Knight ◽  
Kieran Ayling ◽  
Carol Coupland ◽  
Jessia Corner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
The Impact

Background: The impact of changing social restrictions on the mental health of students during the COVID-19 pandemic warrants exploration. Aims: To prospectively examine changes to university students mental health during the pandemic. Methods: Students completed repeated online surveys at three time points (October 2020 (baseline), February 2021, March 2021) to explore relationships between demographic and psychological factors (loneliness and positive mood) and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress). Results: A total of 893 students participated. Depression and anxiety levels were higher at all timepoints than pre-pandemic normative data (p<.001). Scores on all mental health measures were highest in February, with depression and anxiety remaining significantly higher in March than baseline. Female students and those with previous mental health disorders were at greatest risk of poor mental health outcomes. Lower positive mood and greater loneliness at baseline were associated with greater depression and anxiety at follow-ups. Baseline positive mood predicted improvement of depression and anxiety at follow-ups. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety were significantly higher than pre-pandemic norms, with female students and those with previous mental health difficulties being at greatest risk. Given these elevated rates, universities should ensure adequate support is available to meet potentially increased demand for services.

scholarly journals Mental health services designed for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnics (BAME) in the UK: a scoping review of case studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-95
Author(s):  
Mariam Vahdaninia ◽  
Bibha Simkhada ◽  
Edwin van Teijlingen ◽  
Hannah Blunt ◽  
Alan Mercel-Sanca
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Mental health disparities exist among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnics (BAME) populations. This paper aims to provide an overview of mental health services designed for the BAME population in the UK, both established BAME communities and refugee/asylum-seekers. Design/methodology/approach A range of electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies conducted within the past decade in the UK. Using the Arksey and O’Malley methodology, data were extracted, analysed and summarised. Findings A total of 13 papers were identified, mostly non-randomised community-based. Studies were very heterogeneous in terms of their sample and service provided. After the initial appraisal, the authors presented a narrative synthesis. Overall, all studies reported positive mental health outcomes and beneficial effects. Research limitations/implications Because of the time limitations and quality of the papers, the authors only included peer-reviewed journal papers. Practical implications Mental health services provided for BAME people, both established and refugee/asylum-seekers are feasible and improve engagement with the services and mental health outcomes. Initiatives are required to facilitate the integration of these targeted services within mental health and community services for BAME in the UK. Originality/value This scoping review is a snapshot of the mental health services designed for BAME people in the UK, either established or refugee/asylum-seekers in the past 10 years and adds to the evidence-based knowledge from these studies.

scholarly journals O5C.3 The mental health impact of deployment to iraq and afghanistan: what does the current data show?

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A46.1-A46
Author(s):  
Sharon Stevelink ◽  
Margaret Jones ◽  
Lisa Hull ◽  
David Pernet ◽  
Shirlee MacCrimmon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Alcohol Misuse ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

The longer term mental health outcomes of UK serving and ex-serving personnel have been the subject of much speculation. The latest research findings from the third phase of a longitudinal study will be presented, which is the only military cohort study of its kind in the UK. Data was collected among 8093 personnel between 2014 and 2016. The study examined the prevalence of mental disorders and alcohol misuse, whether rates differed between serving and ex-serving regular personnel and the impact of various deployment exposures. The prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder was 6.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5–6.9), 21.9% (95% CI 20.8–23.0) for common mental disorders and 10.0% (95% CI 9.2–10.9) for alcohol misuse. Deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan and self-reported role during deployment were associated with significantly worse mental health outcomes and alcohol misuse in ex-serving regular personnel but not in currently serving regular personnel. There was no association with number of deployments for any outcome. The findings highlight the importance of the continued monitoring of following personnel throughout their military career and beyond. The implications of the study outcomes will be discussed in the light of the mental health provision for serving and ex-serving personnel.

scholarly journals Moral Injury Related to Immigration Detention on Nauru: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Passardi ◽  
Debbie Hocking ◽  
Naser Morina ◽  
Suresh Sundram ◽  
Eva Alisic
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Moral Injury ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Immigration Detention ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Moral Frameworks ◽  
Refugees And Asylum Seekers

Background: Immigration detention is associated with detrimental mental health outcomes but little is known about the underlying psychological processes. Moral injury, the experience of transgression of moral beliefs, may play an important role. Objective: Our aim was to explore refugees’ and asylum seekers’ moral injury appraisals and associated mental health outcomes related to immigration detention on Nauru.Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 13 refugees and asylum seekers who had an experience of immigration detention on Nauru and lived in Australia after medical transfer. We used reflexive thematic analysis to develop themes from the data.Results: The participant statement “In my country they torture your body but in Australia they kill your mind.” conveyed key themes in our analysis. We describe 1) how participants’ home country experience and the expectation to get protection led them to seek safety in Australia; 2) how they experienced deprivation, trauma and dehumanisation after arrival, with the Australian government seen as the driving force behind these experiences; and 3) how these experiences led to feeling irreparably damaged.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that moral injury may be one of the mechanisms by which mandatory immigration detention can cause harm. Hence, refugees returned to Australia from offshore detention may benefit from interventions that specifically target moral injury. Our results highlight the potentially deleterious mental health impact of experiencing multiple subtle and substantial transgressions of one’s moral frameworks. Policy makers should incorporate moral injury considerations to prevent damaging refugee mental health.

scholarly journals A three-wave network analysis of COVID-19's impact on schizotypal traits, paranoia and mental health through loneliness.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keri Ka-Yee Wong ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
Gianluca Esposito ◽  
Adrian Raine
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Wave Network ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Background The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted people’s mental wellbeing. Studies to date have examined the prevalence of mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, loneliness), yet fewer longitudinal studies have compared across background factors and other psychological variables to identify vulnerable sub-groups. This study tests to what extent higher levels of psychotic-like experiences – indexed by schizotypal traits and paranoia – are associated with various mental health variables 6- and 12-months since April 2020. Methods Over 2,300 adult volunteers (18-89 years, female=74.9%) with access to the study link online were recruited from the UK, USA, Greece, and Italy. Self-reported levels of schizotypy, paranoia, anxiety, depression, aggression, loneliness, and stress from three timepoints (17 April to 13 July 2020, N 1 =1,599; 17 October to 31 January 2021, N 2 =774; and 17 April to 31 July 2021, N 3 =586) were mapped using network analysis and compared across time and background variables (sex, age, income, country). Results Schizotypal traits and paranoia were positively associated with poorer mental health through loneliness, with no effect of age, sex, income levels, countries, and timepoints. Loneliness was the most influential variable across all networks, despite overall reductions in levels of loneliness, schizotypy, paranoia, and aggression during the easing of lockdown. Individuals with higher levels of schizotypal traits/paranoia reported poorer mental health outcomes than individuals in the low-trait groups. Conclusion Schizotypal traits and paranoia are associated with poor mental health outcomes through self-perceived loneliness, suggesting that increasing social/community cohesion may improve individuals’ mental wellbeing in the long run.

scholarly journals The impact of sitting time and physical activity on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Pears ◽  
Susanna Kola-Palmer ◽  
Liane Beretta De Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Multiple Stepwise Regression Analysis ◽  
Previous Diagnosis ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and sitting time on adults’ mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety and wellbeing) and the influence of mediators and confounders. Methods An online survey was disseminated in the UK between May and June 2020. A total of 284 participants (33.5 ± 12.4 years) self-reported their PA, sitting time and mental health through validated questionnaires. Results Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that being of younger age, female, on a lower income, with one or more comorbid health conditions, with a previous diagnosis of mood disorder and increased sitting time independently correlated with higher depression scores (F (13,219) = 12.31, p < 0.001), and explained 42% of the variance. Similar results were found for wellbeing where socio-demographic, health outcomes and sitting time influenced the subjective wellbeing (F (14,218) = 5.77, p < 0.001, 27% variance), although only socio-demographic and health outcomes contributed to the variation in anxiety score (F (13,219) = 7.84, p < 0.001, 32% variance). PA did not explain variation when sitting time was taken into account in any of the models. Combined analysis revealed that participants with lower sedentary time (< 8 h) and with both low or moderate and high PA presented a significantly lower depression score [low PA: (B = −2.7, 95% CI −4.88, −0.52); moderate and high PA (B = −2.7, −4.88, −0.52)]. Conclusion Sitting time was strongly associated with adverse mental health during COVID-19 lockdown and should be considered in future public health recommendations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document