A review of adolescent autobiographical memory and the implications for assessment of unaccompanied minors’ refugee determinations

Abstract

The number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) is increasing, and unlike those who arrive with their parents, UASC are subject to interview to determine refugee status. The limited amount of objective evidence available in most asylum claims means that the UASC's account of their experiences often becomes key in deciding whether or not the young person is granted protection. Research indicates that assumptions about human memory influence decision-makers' views on asylum seekers' accounts; however, these do not necessarily appear to fit with the published research on autobiographical memory and may lead to an unfair decision. Therefore, understanding the nature and limitations of autobiographical memory is key to a fair refugee determination process. A literature review of published research on autobiographical memory among adolescents was undertaken across four databases. In total, 45 papers were identified which were thematically organised into three areas: development of autobiographical memory, contextual influences and impact of psychopathology. From this review, conclusions are drawn about what can be reasonably expected of an adolescent's autobiographical memory generally and more specifically when the unique characteristics of UASC are taken into account. We also discusss how commonly used credibility indicators in refugee status determinations for minors are problematic in light of this research. It is important that the psychological evidence on the nature of autobiographical memory in adolescents is considered in asylum processing of UASC.

A Systematic Review of Autobiographical Memory and Mental Health Research on Refugees and Asylum Seekers

“…In other words, emotional disorders may lead a person's memories toward bias in selecting negative and frightening events (28). Similar to adults, trauma-exposed older adolescents reported overgeneral accounts while recalling distressing memories (14). However, the narratives of young adolescents exhibited a dearth of time and place orientation.…”

“…A recent systematic review reported the mental health status of Rohingya refugee people and the language and service-related challenges they face in camps in Bangladesh (45). Several reviews also focus exclusively on autobiographical memories of displaced people, such as two recently published reviews on memories of unaccompanied refugee children (14) and adult asylum seekers' subjective experiences of their migration journeys and resettlement processes (46). There also exists a review on the accuracy of autobiographical memories of asylum seekers (47).…”

“…In this systematic review, we summarize the results of autobiographical memory and mental health research that was conducted on refugee and asylum-seeking people resettled in various parts of the world. We have not found any recent comprehensive review on this topic except for a review on adolescent refugee peoples' autobiographical memory (14), although empirical research in this domain has been steadily growing. Psychologically, living in a refugee camp for a protracted period often causes damage to one's self-control, resilience, and hope (15).…”

A vignette study of novices' interviewing skills of asylum seekers

“…Several authors have addressed the fallibility of human memory in relation to credibility assessments (e.g., Cameron, 2010; Cohen, 2001; Given‐Wilson, Hodes, & Herlihy, 2018; Herlihy et al., 2012). Inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and a lack of detail in asylum narratives may arise from memory limitations rather than deception.…”

What are the experiences of education for unaccompanied asylum‐seeking minors in the UK?

“…Despite these needs, UASMs show a reduced likelihood of receiving mental health support (Sanchez‐Cao, Kramer, & Hodes, 2013) and are less likely to receive trauma‐focussed interventions, anxiety management and parent/carer training than accompanied refugee children (Michelson & Sclare, 2009). UASMs may experience particular difficulties when applying for asylum, due to the demands the application process places on accurate autobiographical memory and recall (Given‐wilson, Hodes, & Herlihy, 2018).…”