The family crisis migration stress framework: A framework to understand the mental health effects of crisis migration on children and families caused by disasters

Abstract

Crisis migration refers to displacement of large numbers of individuals and families from their home countries due to wars, dictatorial governments, and other critical hazards (e.g., hurricanes). Although crisis migration can adversely influence direct and indirect effects on the mental health of adults and their children collectively as families, there is a deficiency in theory that addresses family level processes in this crisis migration context. We propose the Family Crisis Migration Stress Framework, which consolidates what is known about the multiple factors affecting mental health outcomes of crisis migrants into one cohesive model. In our article, we synthesize relevant theories and models of disaster, migration, and family resilience in order to create a framework in which to organize the complex processes that occur within families as a result of migration and that affect the mental health of children. We include examples from various national settings to illustrate the tenets of our framework. Future policy and intervention for crisis

Migrant youths: Typical aspects of development during the adolescent years, specific challenges of growing up somewhere else, and some things we need to understand better

“…In many cases, migration took these young people from a "tight" to a "loose" culture (cf. Vos et al, 2021). The "tight"/"loose" difference can be assumed to be particularly pronounced when it comes to values, norms, and beliefs concerning gender roles, sexuality, and romantic relations.…”

“…The challenges of bi-cultural stress (cf. Vos et al, 2021) that are unique to migrants and minority members or the potential advantages of bi-or multi-cultural competence (cf. Perez et al, 2021), which is an often-overlooked asset, are further cases in point.…”

“…The journey of at least the vast majority of worldwide refugees leads them to other areas of their own country or to neighboring countries (cf. Vos et al, 2021). This group of migrants within or to neighboring countries is not only important in a quantitative sense.…”

The Emigration of the Portuguese People and the Reception of Refugees in Portugal

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Migration is a challenging global phenomenon that has been a growing trend in recent years [1], [2]. In 2020, it is revealed that approximately 3.6% of the world population were international immigrants [3].

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The impact of migration on child and adolescent development: Diversity in migration pathways and experiences

“…In their contribution, Vos et al (2021) focus on crisis migration (i.e., forms of forced migration caused by natural or human disasters) and their effects on children and families' mental health outcomes. The article highlights the necessity to account for familylevel processes to better understand and improve the mental health and well-being of migrant children.…”