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Hasnain A, Hajek J, Borschmann R. The association between cultural and linguistic maintenance and mental health in migrant adolescents: A scoping review. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024:207640241270893. [PMID: 39175171 DOI: 10.1177/00207640241270893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although previous reviews have examined the relationship between heritage cultural maintenance and mental health outcomes among migrants, none have focussed specifically on migrant adolescents (i.e. those aged 10-24 years). AIMS To examine (1) the focus, scope and nature of quantitative empirical research investigating heritage cultural maintenance - including linguistic maintenance - and mental health outcomes among migrant adolescents globally and (2) the association between cultural and linguistic maintenance and migrant adolescents' mental health outcomes. METHOD Following the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for scoping reviews, we searched 11 electronic health, medical, social science and language databases from database inception until the search date (6 June 2023), using English search terms. We extracted data from included empirical studies using a template with pre-defined data items, which we present in comprehensive overviews and narrative summaries. RESULTS Thirty-four studies met our inclusion criteria. We identified considerable heterogeneity between studies regarding their research foci, methodologies, terminologies, outcomes and findings regarding the association between cultural maintenance and mental health outcomes. We specifically identified mixed findings regarding the latter, which cannot be transferred or generalised. CONCLUSIONS The heterogenous nature of methodologies and outcome measures in the published literature, in addition to a scarcity of research from low- and middle-income countries, have hindered meaningful progress in this field. Efforts to address these issues, and to take adolescent context into consideration, will facilitate a more accurate understanding of how cultural maintenance relates to migrant adolescent mental health, and inform future interventions to improve mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anila Hasnain
- Research Unit for Multilingualism and Cross-Cultural Communication, School of Languages and Linguistics, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John Hajek
- Research Unit for Multilingualism and Cross-Cultural Communication, School of Languages and Linguistics, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rohan Borschmann
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Justice Health Group, enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxfordshire, UK
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Riva A, Nacinovich R, Brivio E, Mapelli F, Rossi SM, Neri F, Bomba M. Psychopathological risk in a sample of immigrant preadolescents in Italy. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2023; 75:387-394. [PMID: 29460551 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.18.04959-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aim of the study was to collect information about emotional features in a sample of immigrant preadolescents in order to identify traits of emotional fragility or psychopathological risk factors. METHODS The sample consists of 1206 preadolescents (180 immigrants, 1026 Italian natives) attending the third year of the middle schools. In order to assess anxiety levels and the presence of depressive symptoms the Self-Administered Psychiatric Scale (SAFA-A) and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) were administered. Coping strategies and behavior problems were evaluated by the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation (CISS) and the Youth Self Report scale (YRS). All teachers filled out the Teacher's Report Form (TRF). Parents were asked to fill out a form on social-demographic features and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). RESULTS Immigration resulted a risk factor for development of anxiety (OR=0.702), depression (OR=0.644), internalizing problems (OR=0.685), behavior problems (OR=0.622) and total problems (OR=0.719). Teachers observed more behavior problems and lower competences in immigrants than natives. Immigrants relied significantly more often on emotion-oriented coping strategies to resolve stressful situation than natives (P=0.045). Analyzing the immigrants' sample, second generation children reported significantly higher levels in total competence (school, activity and relationship) than first generation ones (P≤00.1); on the contrary there were no significant differences between the two groups concerning other behavioral and emotional problems or the preferred coping style. Natives' families reported significantly higher levels of perceived support than immigrant ones. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the hypothesis that preadolescent immigrants are more at risk for psychopathological risk factors than native peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Riva
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Renata Nacinovich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy - renata.
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Brivio
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Mapelli
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara M Rossi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Neri
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Bomba
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Oppedal B, Keles S, Røysamb E. Subjective Well-Being Among Unaccompanied Refugee Youth: Longitudinal Associations With Discrimination and Ethnic Identity Crisis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:920657. [PMID: 36092076 PMCID: PMC9453845 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.920657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Unaccompanied refugee youth (URY), who as children fled their countries to seek asylum in a foreign country without the company of an adult legal caretaker are described as being in a vulnerable situation. Many of them struggle with mental reactions to traumatic events experienced pre-migration, and to the daily hassles they face after being granted asylum and residence. Despite continuous high levels of mental health problems URY demonstrate remarkable agency and social mobility in the years after being granted asylum in their destination countries. A sense of subjective well-being (SWB) may enable resilient outcomes in people exposed to past or ongoing adversities. To fill the gap in the research literature about positive psychological outcomes among URY, the overall aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal associations between SWB and two taxing acculturation hassles: perceived discrimination and ethnic identity crisis. Three annual waves of self-report questionnaire data were collected from a population-based sample of URY; n = 581, Mage = 20.01(SD = 2.40), Mlength of stay = 4.63 (SD = 4.40), 82 % male, mainly from Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, and Sri Lanka. The longitudinal associations between SWB, perceived discrimination and ethnic identity crisis across time were analyzed using auto-regressive cross-lagged modeling. The results revealed that perceived discrimination, but not ethnic identity crisis, negatively predicted subsequent levels of SWB. More importantly, high levels of SWB at one timepoint predicted decreases in both discrimination and ethnic identity crisis at subsequent timepoints. Further, increases in SWB from one timepoint to the next was associated with significant co-occurring decreases in both discrimination and ethnic identity crisis, and vice versa. Despite the negative effect of perceived discrimination on SWB, promoting SWB in URY can protect them from future hazards of acculturation hassles in complex ways. We underscore the need for more research on SWB among URY and other refugee youth. We further discuss the potential of SWB to foster resilient outcomes in young refugees and suggest that interventions to strengthen SWB among them should consider their transnational and multicultural realities and experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit Oppedal
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Brit Oppedal,
| | - Serap Keles
- Knowledge Centre for Education, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Espen Røysamb
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
- PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Hynek KA, Abebe DS, Hollander AC, Liefbroer AC, Hauge LJ, Straiton ML. The association between persistent low parental income during preschool age and mental disorder in adolescence and early adulthood: a Norwegian register-based study of migrants and non-migrants. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:206. [PMID: 35305586 PMCID: PMC8934484 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03859-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low socioeconomic status during childhood is associated with increased risk of mental disorders later in life. Yet, there is limited research on whether this association varies by migrant background, despite an overrepresentation of migrants among the economically disadvantaged. METHODS Using national register data on a study population of 577,072 individuals, we investigated the association between persistent low parental income during preschool, measured at age 3-5 years and mental disorder during adolescence and early adulthood, measured between ages 16-25. Outpatient mental healthcare (OPMH) service use was a proxy for mental disorder and was measured between 2006 and 2015. We applied discrete-time logistic regression analyses with interaction terms to study differences in the relationship between persistent low parental income and OPMH service use by migrant background and gender. RESULTS Persistent low parental income during preschool age was associated with increased odds of OPMH service use in adolescence and early adulthood (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.90-2.08), even after adjusting for gender, migrant background, parental education and persistent lower income at later ages (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.27-1.40). Statistically significant interactions between migrant background and persistent low parental income were recalculated and presented as marginal yearly probabilities. These results showed that the association was in the opposite direction for migrants; those in the higher income group had higher probability of OPMH service use, although the differences were non-significant for some groups. The relationship did not vary by gender. CONCLUSIONS Social inequalities in mental health, as measured by OPMH service use, may have an onset already in childhood. Interventions to reduce inequalities should therefore start early in the life course. Since the association differed for migrants, future research should aim to investigate the mechanisms behind these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Angelika Hynek
- Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Dawit Shawel Abebe
- grid.412414.60000 0000 9151 4445Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway ,grid.412929.50000 0004 0627 386XNorwegian National Advisory Unit On Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Anna-Clara Hollander
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Epidemiology of Psychiatric Conditions, Substance Use and Social Environment, Department of Global Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 1E, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aart C. Liefbroer
- grid.450170.70000 0001 2189 2317Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute, PO Box 11650, 2502 AR The Hague, The Netherlands ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Sociology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Johan Hauge
- grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Melanie Lindsay Straiton
- grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
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Ferrari L, Caravita S, Ranieri S, Canzi E, Rosnati R. Bullying victimization among internationally adopted adolescents: Psychosocial adjustment and moderating factors. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262726. [PMID: 35113910 PMCID: PMC8812890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bullying constitutes a serious risk factor for the psychosocial adjustment of young people in both the general population and minority groups. Among minorities, international adoptees are likely to show a specific vulnerability to the experience of being bullied, moderated by specific risk and protective factors. This study aimed to investigate the association between adoptees' experience of bullying victimization and their psychosocial adjustment, and to explore the moderating role of adoptive identity and reflected minority categorization. An online, anonymous self-report questionnaire was completed by 140 adolescents (13-17 years), who were internationally adopted by Italian families. Findings showed that being victimized was associated with higher levels of emotional and behavioral difficulties, but that the strength of this relation varied according to the levels of adoptive identity and reflected minority categorization. Specifically, victimization was found to have a more detrimental and negative impact on psychological adjustment for adoptees who were highly identified with the adoptive group, and reported to be less perceived by others as members of the minority group. Results are discussed in relation to recommendations for further research as well as for professionals working with internationally adopted adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ferrari
- Department of Psychology, Family Studies and Research University Centre, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Caravita
- Norwegian Centre for Learning Environment and Behavioural Research in Education, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sonia Ranieri
- Department of Psychology, Family Studies and Research University Centre, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Elena Canzi
- Department of Psychology, Family Studies and Research University Centre, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosa Rosnati
- Department of Psychology, Family Studies and Research University Centre, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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Vasiljevic Z, Svensson R, Shannon D. Trends in alcohol intoxication among native and immigrant youth in Sweden, 1999-2017: A comparison across family structure and parental employment status. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 98:103397. [PMID: 34329951 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing a better understanding of drinking patterns across immigrant generations and how these change over time is important for the development of effective alcohol polices. This study investigates the direction and rate of change in youth alcohol intoxication over time, based on immigrant status, and by family structure and parental employment status. METHOD The study is based on eight nationally representative school surveys conducted by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention between 1999 and 2017, with a combined sample of 50,657 adolescents. Group by time interactions were examined to compare rates of change of alcohol intoxication over time across immigrant generations. RESULTS The results show a decreasing trend in alcohol intoxication among both first and second generation immigrant youth, and also among immigrant youth across different family structures and parental employment statuses. The results also show that the decrease in alcohol intoxication over time is greater for youths born abroad and for youths with two immigrant parents than for native Swedes, and that the decrease over time is greater for youths from intact families than for native Swedish youths from non-intact families and youths with one immigrant parent. CONCLUSION Native and first- and second-generation immigrant youth may differ substantially from one another in many ways, and may therefore manifest different patterns of drinking behaviours. From a policy and prevention perspective, the data in this study imply that native youths and youths with one immigrant parent should be a central target group for alcohol prevention policy in Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Vasiljevic
- Department of Criminology, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Robert Svensson
- Department of Criminology, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - David Shannon
- Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention, Stockholm, Sweden
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Considerations when Conducting Violence Risk Assessments in Immigrant Youth: The Roles of Acculturation Stress and Criminal Attitudes. JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12134-021-00868-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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8
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Civitillo S, Göbel K, Preusche Z, Jugert P. Disentangling the effects of perceived personal and group ethnic discrimination among secondary school students: The protective role of teacher-student relationship quality and school climate. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2021; 2021:77-99. [PMID: 33942957 DOI: 10.1002/cad.20415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Guided by risk and resilience and attachment perspectives, the present study examined whether teacher-student relationship quality and school climate can buffer against the deleterious effects of perceived personal and group ethnic discrimination on psychological and academic domains. We conducted multilevel analyses of seventh graders (40 classrooms; N = 456; 47% female) with different cultural self-identifications in Germany. Partially confirming pre-registered hypotheses, results indicated that high levels of perceived personal discrimination were negatively associated with global self-esteem and emotional school engagement. Contrary to our expectations, neither perceived personal nor group discrimination negatively predicted academic self-concept. In addition, teacher-student relationship quality but not school climate buffered the relationship between both personal and group discrimination and global self-esteem and emotional school engagement such that the association was less negative when relationship quality was high. Taken together, our results underscore the importance of considering the different targets of discrimination (i.e., personal self and own group), and that positive teacher-student relationship can be especially beneficial and empowering for youth who are exposed to ethnic discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sauro Civitillo
- Institute of Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Göbel
- Institute of Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Zuzanna Preusche
- Institute of Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Philipp Jugert
- Institute of Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Bilal PI, Chan CKY, Somerset SM. Acculturation and Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Predict Elevated Blood Glucose Level in Sub-Saharan African Immigrants in Australia. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 22:771-777. [PMID: 31845072 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-019-00958-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sub-Saharan African migrants experience significant sociocultural challenges, including those related to acculturation and perceived ethnic discrimination (PED), in addition to increased risk of non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although acculturation and PED are each established risk factors for elevated blood glucose level (EGBL) and T2DM, they have not been studied in relation to EBGL risk in a single model. This study aimed to investigate associations between acculturation, PED and EBGL in a sub-Saharan African migrant population in Australia. Face to face survey using a purposive sampling method was used to collect data from 170 adults, aged 18-72 years. A large proportion (41.8%) of the study group was in the integration mode of acculturation, which strongly correlated positively with EBGL/T2DM, although traditional mode correlated inversely with EBGL/T2DM. PED correlated positively with EBG/LT2DM. Immigrants manifesting the integration mode were 4.2 times more likely to have EBGL/T2DM than other acculturation modes. Multiple linear regression showed that the association between integration mode and EBGL/T2DM was mediated by PED. The apparent interaction between PED and acculturation in relation to EBGL/T2DM risk suggests that interventions to lower T2DM risk in this population may benefit from incorporating strategies to address these two important health determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Bilal
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - C K Y Chan
- School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S M Somerset
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia
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Ergin DA. The effects of perceived discrimination, social support and ethnic identity on mental health of immigrant adolescents. Scand J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Psychol 2021; 9:127-136. [PMID: 37601164 PMCID: PMC10433709 DOI: 10.21307/sjcapp-2021-014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The number of immigrants has been increasing. Immigrant adolescents experience an acculturation process that affects particularly their ethnic identity, perceived discrimination, and relationships with their peers, which would have significant impact on their mental health. The ethnic composition of social environments might affect this relationship. Objective: The main purpose of the current research is to examine the effect of peer attachment, social support, ethnic identity, and perceived discrimination on immigrant adolescents' mental health. Method: The sample included 226 Syrian immigrants (X¯ age = 13.31, SD=1.67, 70.8 % girls). Adolescents live in a homogenous social environment where proportion of Syrian is higher. Two hierarchical regression models were used to predict depression and emotional problems. In both models, the predictive roles of social and psychological factors were examined in separate steps. Results: The regression analysis results for depression emphasized peer attachment, social support, and ethnic identity did not affect the depression after controlling the effect of emotional problems. Similarly, regression analysis results for emotional problems showed that peer attachment, social support, and ethnic identity did not affect depression after controlling the effect of emotional problems. The results also revealed that perceived discrimination was a risk factor for both depression and emotional problems. Conclusions: The results underlined the importance of psychological variables on immigrant adolescents' depression. Past research emphasized that ethnic identity and peer support had a buffering effect on mental health. The current study participants were living in a different area where they attended schools for only immigrants. The social environment was totally different from the host culture. These reasons may account for why social support from ethnic peers and ethnic identity development did not emerge as a protective factor in the present study. The results will further be discussed in terms of the importance of interaction between ethnic and host culture.
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Fandrem H, Oppedal B, Idsoe T. Reactive and Proactive Aggression among Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Early Adolescents in Norway: The Relations to Emotional and Conduct Problems. ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/2210676610666200327165927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective:
This study explores the differences in the association between three
different types of aggression (reactive aggression, power-related proactive aggression and affiliation-
related proactive aggression) and emotional and conduct problems between early
adolescents with immigrant and non-immigrant backgrounds in Norway.
Methods:
The sample comprised 1759 early adolescents in fifth to eighth grade (10- to 15-
year-olds). The proportion of early adolescent immigrants with two foreign-born parents was
862, and 897 participants were adolescents with two Norwegian-born parents. The gender
distribution was similar in the immigrant and non-immigrant samples, 48.2% boys and
49.5% girls. The mean age was 11.6 years (SD 1.25) for immigrant boys, 11.7 (SD 1.29) for
non-immigrant boys, 11.6 (SD = 1.25) for immigrant girls, and 11.8 (SD = 1.27) for nonimmigrant
girls. Data were collected via self-report assessments.
Results:
A multigroup structural equation model revealed that the effects of reactive and
proactive aggression were different for conduct and emotional problems. Only reactive and
power-related proactive aggression was significantly associated with conduct problems, and
effect sizes were independent of immigrant status. The effects of reactive and power-related
proactive aggression on emotional problems were stronger for non-immigrant early adolescents,
while the effects of affiliation-related proactive aggression were stronger for immigrant-
background early adolescents.
Conclusion:
A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the associations between
aggression and emotional problems and the variation between immigrant and nonimmigrant
early adolescents can shed light on the etiology of mental health and behavioral
problems. The importance of such knowledge in designing interventions targeting aggression
among early adolescents in multicultural contexts is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegunn Fandrem
- Norwegian Center for Learning Environment and Behavioural Research in Education, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Brit Oppedal
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thormod Idsoe
- Norwegian Center for Learning Environment and Behavioural Research in Education, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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Amin R, Rahman S, Dorner TE, Björkenstam E, Helgesson M, Norredam ML, Sijbrandij M, Sever CA, Mittendorfer-Rutz E. Country of birth, time period of resettlement and subsequent treated common mental disorders in young refugees in Sweden. Eur J Public Health 2020; 30:1169-1175. [PMID: 32840306 PMCID: PMC7733052 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known regarding treatment for common mental disorders (CMDs) in young refugees. We aimed to identify (i) if the risk of treatment for CMDs in young refugees varies by their country of birth, compared with the Swedish-born population and (ii) if time period of resettlement influences these possible associations. METHODS All Swedish-born individuals and people who were granted refugee status, aged 16-25 years, living in Sweden on 31 December 1999, 2004 or 2009 (around 1 million people with 3-4% refugees in each cohort), were followed for 4 years for treated CMDs by linking register data. To facilitate stratified analyses by refugees' country of birth, the 2009 cohort was followed for 7 years with regard to specialized healthcare and antidepressant prescription due to CMDs. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed in crude and adjusted models. RESULTS Refugees in the 2009 cohort with 7-year follow-up had a 25% lower risk for treated CMDs, compared with the Swedish-born. Stratified analysis by country of birth showed a similarly lower risk regarding treated CMDs among refugees from all countries but Iran [hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals): 1.15 (1.05-1.26)] than their Swedish-born peers. No substantial effect of time period of resettlement was observed in the risk for treated CMDs in refugees. CONCLUSIONS Treatment for CMDs is lower in young refugees than in the majority population in Sweden, is stable across time, but varies with country of birth. Strategies to improve access to mental healthcare for young refugees are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridwanul Amin
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Syed Rahman
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas E Dorner
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Emma Björkenstam
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Helgesson
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie L Norredam
- Danish Research Centre for Migration, Ethnicity and Health, Section of Health Services Research, University of Copenhagen, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, World Health Organization WHO Collaborating Centre for Research, and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 H Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cansu Alozkan Sever
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, World Health Organization WHO Collaborating Centre for Research, and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 H Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177, Stockholm, Sweden
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Oppedal B, Keles S, Cheah C, Røysamb E. Culture competence and mental health across different immigrant and refugee groups. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:292. [PMID: 32138713 PMCID: PMC7059687 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8398-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last decades, due to high rates of immigration, many high-income countries have witnessed demographic shifts towards more cultural diversity in the population. Socio-economic deprivation and traumatic experiences pre-migration contribute to a high risk for mental health problems among immigrant background youth. Moreover, when adapting to the multi-cultural contexts of the resettlement countries they face several acculturation demands, which may also affect their mental health in adaptive or hazardous ways. One of these acculturation tasks involves developing the cultural competence necessary to thrive and participate socially within the heritage and the majority cultural domains. From a public mental health perspective, it is important to have thorough knowledge about acculturation-related risk and protective factors. However, this responsibility has been challenged by a lack of acculturation measures that are theoretically linked to mental health, and target the cultural competencies of immigrant background youth. Therefore, the current study aimed at examining if a construct of peer-related culture competence, operationalized in the Youth Culture Competence Scale (YCCS), captured the same competence-phenomenon across different language, age, and immigrant groups in two immigrant-receiving countries. The scale includes two dimensions: one of heritage, and one of majority peer-related culture competence. Methods Self-report questionnaire data were collected from 895 unaccompanied refugees and 591 immigrant background high school students in Norway, and from 321 immigrant university students in the United States. To examine if the measure assessed the same phenomenon of peer-related culture competence across these three multi-ethnic samples with an age range from 13 to 28, we examined its measurement equivalence. Additionally, we examined if the association between peer-related culture competence and depressive symptoms was similar in these groups. Results Confirmatory factor analyses supported the proposed two factor structure of the YCCS across the three samples. The structural equation model assessing the effects of heritage and majority culture competence on depressive symptoms confirmed that each culture competence dimension had a unique association with depressive symptoms across the samples. Conclusions We conclude that the YCCS is a robust acculturation measure that may be included in public health studies of mental health among multi-ethnic refugee and immigrant samples of varied ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit Oppedal
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PFHI, P.O.Box 222, Nydalen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Serap Keles
- Department of Research, The Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Charissa Cheah
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, 21250, USA
| | - Espen Røysamb
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PFHI, P.O.Box 222, Nydalen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway.,PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Bomba M, Riva A, Capelli M, Neri F, Nacinovich R. Migratory processes and psychiatric disorders in a sample of adolescents: A retrospective observational study. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2017.1320081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Bomba
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST of Monza & School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Riva
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST of Monza & School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Capelli
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST of Monza & School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Neri
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST of Monza & School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Renata Nacinovich
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Department, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST of Monza & School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Cheng J, Wang RC, Yin X, Fu L, Liu ZK. U-Shaped Relationship between Years of Residence and Negative Mental Health Outcomes among Rural-to-Urban Children in Migrant Schools in Beijing, China: The Moderating Effects of Socioeconomic Factors. Front Public Health 2017; 5:168. [PMID: 28824894 PMCID: PMC5539224 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to test the relationship between length of residence and mental health in a school-based sample of migrant children who studied in migrant schools. METHODS A total of 7,296 rural-to-urban migrant children were recruited from 58 schools in Beijing and assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Children's Depression Inventory. RESULTS A quadratic relationship was found between mental health and length of residence. The results suggested that the scores for anxiety and depression were high during the initial resettlement after migrating and then decreased. However, after approximately 8 years, the scores increased. Our findings also showed a significant moderating effect of family socioeconomic status on the relation between mental health and length of residence. CONCLUSION This study provided empirical evidence for a better understanding of psychosocial factors on the mental health of migrant children during the process of urbanization in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ri-Chu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Fu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng-Kui Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Mölsä M, Kuittinen S, Tiilikainen M, Honkasalo ML, Punamäki RL. Mental health among older refugees: the role of trauma, discrimination, and religiousness. Aging Ment Health 2017; 21:829-837. [PMID: 27080403 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2016.1165183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine, first, how past traumatic stress and present acculturation indices, and discrimination are associated with mental health; and, second, whether religiousness can buffer the mental health from negative impacts of war trauma. METHOD Participants were 128 older (50-80 years) Somali refugees living in Finland. They reported experiences of war trauma and childhood adversities, and filled-in questionnaires of perceived ethnic discrimination, religiousness (beliefs, attendance, and observance of Islamic faith), and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive (BDI-21), psychological distress (GHQ-12), and somatization (SCL-90). RESULTS Symptom-specific regression models showed that newly arrived refugees with non-permanent legal status and severe exposures to war trauma, childhood adversity, and discrimination endorsed greater PTSD symptoms, while only war trauma and discrimination were associated with depressive symptoms. Results confirmed that high religiousness could play a buffering role among older Somalis, as exposure to severe war trauma was not associated with high levels of PTSD or somatization symptoms among highly religious refugees. CONCLUSION Health care should consider both unique past and present vulnerabilities and resources when treating refugees, and everyday discrimination and racism should be regarded as health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulki Mölsä
- a Department of Public Health , University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland.,b Department of Health and Welfare Inequalities Unit , National Institute for Health and Welfare , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Saija Kuittinen
- c School of Social Sciences and Humanities/ Psychology, University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland
| | - Marja Tiilikainen
- d Department of Social Research , University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Marja-Liisa Honkasalo
- e Center for the Study of Culture and Health , University of Turku , Turku , Finland.,f Department of Social Research , University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Raija-Leena Punamäki
- c School of Social Sciences and Humanities/ Psychology, University of Tampere , Tampere , Finland
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Keles S, Idsøe T, Friborg O, Sirin S, Oppedal B. The Longitudinal Relation between Daily Hassles and Depressive Symptoms among Unaccompanied Refugees in Norway. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 45:1413-1427. [DOI: 10.1007/s10802-016-0251-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Keles S, Friborg O, Idsøe T, Sirin S, Oppedal B. Resilience and acculturation among unaccompanied refugee minors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/0165025416658136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to understand differences between unaccompanied refugees who retained or achieved good mental health ( healthy or resilient) and those who maintained or developed poor mental health ( clinical and vulnerable). Using person-based analyses, the role of pre-migration traumatic exposure and acculturation-related factors in long-term trajectories of psychological adjustment among unaccompanied refugees was explored. This study included three waves of data collection in a population-based sample. The participants were 918 unaccompanied refugees who had received asylum and residence status in Norway. The pattern of change in depression symptoms over time was used to characterize subgroups displaying resilient, vulnerable, clinical or healthy trajectories. Results indicated that the extent of post-migration acculturation hassles and heritage culture competence, as well as pre-migration traumatic events and gender, distinguished the refugee groups in terms of mental health trajectories. The implications for clinical practice and immigration policy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serap Keles
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Child Development and Mental Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oddgeir Friborg
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, Tromso, Norway
| | - Thormod Idsøe
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Child Development and Mental Health, Oslo, Norway
- University of Oslo, Norwegian Center for Child Behavioural Development, Oslo, Norway
| | - Selcuk Sirin
- New York University, Department of Applied Psychology, NY, USA
| | - Brit Oppedal
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Child Development and Mental Health, Oslo, Norway
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Liang J, Matheson BE, Douglas JM. Mental Health Diagnostic Considerations in Racial/Ethnic Minority Youth. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2016; 25:1926-1940. [PMID: 27346929 PMCID: PMC4916917 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-015-0351-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Misdiagnoses of racial/ethnic minority youth's mental health problems can potentially contribute to inappropriate mental health care. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review that focuses on current theory and empirical research in an attempt to answer the following two questions: 1) What evidence exists that supports or contradicts the idea that racial/ethnic minority youth's mental health problems are misdiagnosed? 2) What are the sources of misdiagnoses? Articles were reviewed from 1967 to 2014 using PsychINFO, PubMed, and GoogleScholar. Search terms included "race", "ethnicity", "minority", "culture", "children", "youth", "adolescents", "mental health", "psychopathology", "diagnosis", "misdiagnosis", "miscategorization", "underdiagnosis", and "overdiagnosis". Seventy-two articles and book chapters met criteria and were included in this review. Overall, evidence was found that supports the possibility of misdiagnosis of ethnic minority youth's emotional and behavioral problems. However, the evidence is limited such that it cannot be determined whether racial/ethnic differences are due to differences in psychopathology, mental health biases, and/or inaccurate diagnoses. Cultural and contextual factors that may influence misdiagnosis as well as recommendations for research and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- June Liang
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Pediatrics
| | - Brittany E. Matheson
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Pediatrics
- San Diego State University/University of California Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
| | - Jennifer M. Douglas
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Pediatrics
- San Diego State University/University of California Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
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20
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Stark L, DeCormier Plosky W, Horn R, Canavera M. 'He always thinks he is nothing': The psychosocial impact of discrimination on adolescent refugees in urban Uganda. Soc Sci Med 2015; 146:173-81. [PMID: 26517294 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Armed conflict causes massive displacement, erodes the social fabric of communities, and threatens the healthy development of a nation's future - its youth. Although more than half of the world's registered refugees under the age of eighteen currently reside in urban areas, research on the unique needs of and realities experienced by this population remain limited. In Uganda, as in many refugee-receiving countries, most regulated refugee protections and entitlements fail to extend beyond the confines of official settlements or camps. This dearth of support, in combination with few material resources, uncertain local connections, and little knowledge of the language, leaves refugee families vulnerable to the added burden of an unwelcome reception in cities. Drawing on qualitative data from a study conducted in March and April 2013 with Congolese and Somali adolescents, caregivers, and service providers in refugee settlements in Kampala, this manuscript explores the pervasive nature of discrimination against urban refugees and its effects upon adolescent well-being. Findings suggest that discrimination not only negatively impacts acculturation as youth pursue social recognition in the classroom and among neighborhood peers, but it also impedes help-seeking behavior by caregivers and restricts their ability to ameliorate protection concerns, thereby lowering adolescents' psychosocial well-being. Youth reported low self-worth, withdrawal from school, and an adverse turn toward street connections. Targeted and innovative strategies along with reformed policies that address the unique challenges facing urban refugees are paramount to ensuring that young people in this population experience greater protection, well-being, and future success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Stark
- Program on Forced Migration and Health (PFMH), Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States.
| | - Willyanne DeCormier Plosky
- Program on Forced Migration and Health (PFMH), Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States
| | - Rebecca Horn
- Columbia Group for Children in Adversity, United States
| | - Mark Canavera
- Program on Forced Migration and Health (PFMH), Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, United States
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21
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Paradies Y, Ben J, Denson N, Elias A, Priest N, Pieterse A, Gupta A, Kelaher M, Gee G. Racism as a Determinant of Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138511. [PMID: 26398658 PMCID: PMC4580597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1256] [Impact Index Per Article: 139.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a growing body of epidemiological evidence in recent years documenting the health impacts of racism, the cumulative evidence base has yet to be synthesized in a comprehensive meta-analysis focused specifically on racism as a determinant of health. This meta-analysis reviewed the literature focusing on the relationship between reported racism and mental and physical health outcomes. Data from 293 studies reported in 333 articles published between 1983 and 2013, and conducted predominately in the U.S., were analysed using random effects models and mean weighted effect sizes. Racism was associated with poorer mental health (negative mental health: r = -.23, 95% CI [-.24,-.21], k = 227; positive mental health: r = -.13, 95% CI [-.16,-.10], k = 113), including depression, anxiety, psychological stress and various other outcomes. Racism was also associated with poorer general health (r = -.13 (95% CI [-.18,-.09], k = 30), and poorer physical health (r = -.09, 95% CI [-.12,-.06], k = 50). Moderation effects were found for some outcomes with regard to study and exposure characteristics. Effect sizes of racism on mental health were stronger in cross-sectional compared with longitudinal data and in non-representative samples compared with representative samples. Age, sex, birthplace and education level did not moderate the effects of racism on health. Ethnicity significantly moderated the effect of racism on negative mental health and physical health: the association between racism and negative mental health was significantly stronger for Asian American and Latino(a) American participants compared with African American participants, and the association between racism and physical health was significantly stronger for Latino(a) American participants compared with African American participants. Protocol PROSPERO registration number: CRD42013005464.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Paradies
- Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalization, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jehonathan Ben
- Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalization, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nida Denson
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanuel Elias
- Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalization, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Naomi Priest
- Australian Centre for Applied Social Research Methods, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Alex Pieterse
- Division of Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Arpana Gupta
- Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Margaret Kelaher
- Centre for Health Policy Programs and Economics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gilbert Gee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Gilliver SC, Sundquist J, Li X, Sundquist K. Recent research on the mental health of immigrants to Sweden: a literature review. Eur J Public Health 2015; 24 Suppl 1:72-9. [PMID: 25108001 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cku101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The arrival of large numbers of economic migrants and refugees has seen the Swedish immigrant population increase rapidly. Research has shown that immigrants may be more susceptible to mental disorders because of traumatic events prior to immigration and adverse circumstances in their new country. The aim of this literature review is to summarize and interpret recent research on the mental health of immigrants to Sweden. METHODS A systematic search for relevant literature in PubMed was performed on 13 February 2014. Relevant literature was limited to original research articles published between 1 January 1994 and 13 February 2014. Content relating to mental disorders and suicide was reviewed and summarized. RESULTS Nationwide studies showed increased risks of common mental disorders such as depression, as well as psychotic disorders, in immigrants to Sweden compared to native Swedes. However, the results are complex, with notable differences between different immigrant groups and between males and females. Risk of suicide was increased in some immigrant groups, but decreased in others. There has been little qualitative research on the mental health of immigrants and few intervention studies have targeted immigrants. CONCLUSION Immigrants to Sweden are a mixed group with differing, but often increased, risks of mental disorders. Targeted qualitative and intervention studies may facilitate efforts to develop and implement preventive methods for immigrants at high risk of mental ill health, and to tailor treatment to the specific needs of different immigrant groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Gilliver
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University / Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundquist
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University / Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden2 Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xinjun Li
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University / Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- 1 Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University / Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden2 Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Toselli S, Gualdi-Russo E, Marzouk D, Sundquist J, Sundquist K. Psychosocial health among immigrants in central and southern Europe. Eur J Public Health 2015; 24 Suppl 1:26-30. [PMID: 25107995 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cku100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Migration exposes people to a number of risks that threaten their health, including those related to psychosocial health. Self-perceived health is usually the main indicator used to assess psychosocial health. Electronic databases were used to examine the literature on the psychosocial health of immigrants in Europe and of North Africans living in their own countries. Immigrants of various ethnic groups show a similar risk of psychosocial disorders but generally present a higher risk than the local population. This risk is related to gender (being higher in women), poor socio-economic status and acculturation, discrimination, time elapsed since migration and age on arrival in the new country. Although the stressors and situations the different ethnic groups experience in the host country may be shared, the way they deal with them may differ according to cultural factors. There is a need to collect detailed data on psychosocial health among the various immigrant groups in Europe, as well as to monitor this aspect in North African residents who lack access to specific services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Toselli
- 1 Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuela Gualdi-Russo
- 2 Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Diaa Marzouk
- 3 Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jan Sundquist
- 4 Department of Clinical Sciences, Center for Primary Health Care Research, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- 4 Department of Clinical Sciences, Center for Primary Health Care Research, Malmö, Sweden
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Abebe DS, Lien L, Hjelde KH. What we know and don't know about mental health problems among immigrants in Norway. J Immigr Minor Health 2015; 16:60-7. [PMID: 23117694 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-012-9745-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mental health problems have been regarded as one of the main public health challenges of immigrants in several countries. Understanding and generating research-based knowledge on immigrant health problems is highly relevant for planning preventive interventions, as well as guiding social and policy actions. This review aims to map the available knowledge on immigrants' mental health status and its associated risk factors in Norway. The reviewed literature about mental health problems among immigrant populations in Norway was found through databases, such as PUBMED, EMBASE, PsychINFO and MEDLINE. About 41 peer-reviewed original articles published since 1990s were included. In the majority of the studies, the immigrant populations, specifically adult immigrants from low and middle income countries, have been found with a higher degree of mental health problems compared to Norwegians and the general population. Increased risk for mental illness is primarily linked to a higher risk for acculturative stress, poor social support, deprived socioeconomic conditions, multiple negative life events, experiences of discrimination and traumatic pre-migration experiences. However, research in this field has been confronted by a number of gaps and methodological challenges. The available knowledge indicates a need for preventive interventions. Correspondingly, it strongly recommends a comprehensive research program that addresses gaps and methodological challenges.
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Chen WT, Guthrie B, Shiu CS, Wang L, Weng Z, Li CS, Lee TSH, Kamitani E, Fukuda Y, Luu BV. Revising the American dream: how Asian immigrants adjust after an HIV diagnosis. J Adv Nurs 2015; 71:1914-25. [PMID: 25740206 DOI: 10.1111/jan.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM We explored how acculturation and self-actualization affect depression in the HIV-positive Asians and Pacific Islanders immigrant population. BACKGROUND Asians and Pacific Islanders are among the fastest growing minority groups in the USA. Asians and Pacific Islanders are the only racial/ethnic group to show a significant increase in HIV diagnosis rate. DESIGN A mixed-methods study was conducted. METHODS Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with HIV-positive Asians and Pacific Islanders in San Francisco and New York. Additionally, cross-sectional audio computer-assisted self-interviews were conducted with a sample of 50 HIV-positive Asians and Pacific Islanders. Content analysis was used to analyse the in-depth interviews. Also, descriptive, bivariate statistics and multivariable regression analysis was used to estimate the associations among depression, acculturation and self-actualization. The study took place from January-June 2013. DISCUSSION Major themes were extracted from the interview data, including self-actualization, acculturation and depression. The participants were then divided into three acculturation levels correlating to their varying levels of self-actualization. For those with low acculturation, there was a large discrepancy in the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale scores between those who had totally lost their self-actualization and those who believed they could still achieve their 'American dreams'. Among those who were less acculturated, there was a significant difference in depression scores between those who felt they had totally lost their ability to self-actualize and those who still believed they could 'make their dreams come true.' CONCLUSION Acculturation levels influence depression and self-actualization in the HIV-positive Asians and Pacific Islanders population. Lower acculturated Asian Americans achieved a lower degree of self-actualization and suffered from depression. Future interventions should focus on enhancing acculturation and reducing depression to achieve self-actualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ti Chen
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA
| | - Barbara Guthrie
- School of Nursing, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cheng-Shi Shiu
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lixuan Wang
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Zhongqi Weng
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chiang-Shan Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tony Szu-Hsien Lee
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Emiko Kamitani
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yumiko Fukuda
- APICHA Community Health Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Binh Vinh Luu
- HIV/AIDS Service, Chinese-American Planning Council Inc, New York, New York, USA
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Oppedal B, Idsoe T. The role of social support in the acculturation and mental health of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers. Scand J Psychol 2015; 56:203-11. [DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brit Oppedal
- Department of Child Development and Mental Health; Norwegian Institute of Public Health; Oslo Norway
| | - Thormod Idsoe
- Department of Child Development and Mental Health; Norwegian Institute of Public Health; Oslo Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Learning Environment and Behavioural Research in Education; University of Stavanger; Stavanger Norway
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Differences in Psychopathology Between Immigrant and Native Adolescents Admitted to a Psychiatric Inpatient Unit. J Immigr Minor Health 2014; 17:1715-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0143-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Adriaanse M, Veling W, Doreleijers T, van Domburgh L. The link between ethnicity, social disadvantage and mental health problems in a school-based multiethnic sample of children in The Netherlands. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2014; 23:1103-13. [PMID: 24927803 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-014-0564-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
To investigate to what extent differences in prevalence and types of mental health problems between ethnic minority and majority youth can be explained by social disadvantage. Mental health problems were assessed in a sample of 1,278 schoolchildren (55% Dutch, 32% Moroccan and 13% Turkish; mean age: 12.9 ± 1.8) using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire self-report and teacher report. Measures of family socioeconomic status, neighbourhood deprivation, perceived discrimination, family structure, repeating a school year, housing stability and neighbourhood urbanization were used as indicators of social disadvantage, based on which a cumulative index was created. Ethnic minority youth had more externalizing and fewer internalizing problems than majority youth. Perceived discrimination and living in an unstable social environment were associated with mental health problems, independent of ethnicity. A dose-response relationship was found between social disadvantage and mental health problems. The adjusted odds ratio for mental health problems was 4.16 (95% CI 2.49-6.94) for more than four compared with zero indicators of social disadvantage. Social disadvantage was more common in ethnic minority than in majority youth, explaining part of the differences in prevalence of mental health problems. Ethnic minority youth in the Netherlands have a different profile of mental health problems than majority youth. In all ethnic groups, the risk of mental health problems increases with the degree of social disadvantage. The higher prevalence of externalizing problems among ethnic minority youth is explained partly by their disadvantaged social position. The findings suggest that social factors associated with ethnicity are likely to explain mental health problems in ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Adriaanse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU Medical Centre, PO Box 303, 1115 ZG, Duivendrecht, The Netherlands,
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Mental Health Problems and School Outcomes Among Immigrant and Non-immigrant Early Adolescents in Norway. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12310-014-9129-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Fournier C, Hamelin Brabant L, Damant D, Lessard G, Lapierre S, Dubé-Quenum M. [Children and adolescents from elsewhere: the violence experienced in their host society and the effects on their health, a literature]. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2014; 105:e28-e36. [PMID: 24735693 PMCID: PMC6972361 DOI: 10.17269/cjph.105.3973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This integrative literature review aims to present a comprehensive portrayal of social violence experienced by first-generation immigrant children and adolescents, and its effects on their health and well-being. METHOD A French and English languages literature search was conducted in eight databases, without restrictions on dates of publication. Thirty studies were selected. Results were summarized according to three aspects: 1) types of violence experienced by young immigrants; 2) conditions under which this violence occurs; 3) effects of such violence on the health and well-being of young immigrants. SYNTHESIS Immigrant children and adolescents can experience various forms of physical, verbal, and relational violence. This violence seems to be mostly instigated by their peers and it has mainly been studied in terms of discrimination. Victimization may vary depending on factors such as ethnic composition of schools or time of residence in the host society. Violence may have many effects on mental health of immigrant youth: it is associated with both increased psychopathological symptoms and poorer mental health. Finally, the experience of violence is related to a more negative attitude of young immigrants toward their host society and a more positive attitude toward their own cultural community. CONCLUSION In addition to its having numerous adverse effects on their mental and social health and well-being, violence may prove to be a key factor in the experience of marginalization of immigrant youth. We propose certain research avenues to explore.
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Alves DE, Corliss HL, Roysamb E, Zachrisson HD, Oppedal B, Gustavson K. Immigrant Preadolescents and Risk of Emotional Distress. Scand J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Psychol 2013. [DOI: 10.21307/sjcapp-2014-007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
The question of whether immigrants have more emotional problems than their non-immigrant peers has yielded mixed results. In Norway, there has been a tendency toward immigrant youth reporting higher rates of emotional problems. In addition to studying levels of emotional problems across those with immigrant backgrounds, there is a need to investigate whether the phenomenology of these problems is comparable across ethnic groups.
Objectives:
We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify subgroups of preadolescents with distinct types of emotional problems in a multiethnic sample in Norway and to investigate associations with immigrant status after controlling for other demographic and risk factors related to emotional problems.
Methods:
Preadolescents between the ages of 10 and 12 years (n = 1042) completed a questionnaire that assessed emotional problems and sociodemographic factors such as gender, grade level, city, economic hardship, school hassles, and parental achievement values. LCA was used to identify subgroups of preadolescent emotional problems. Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to assess the relationships between these subgroups and the presence of an immigrant background with four immigrant groups (all backgrounds, Pakistan, Turkey, and Sri Lanka). The reference group was the ethnic Norwegians.
Results:
LCA identified three classes according to the severity of the problems; these were labeled healthy, borderline, and distressed. Multinomial logistic regression analyses found the presence of an immigrant background as compared with a non-immigrant background to increase the odds of a person belonging to the distressed class by an approximate factor of 2, depending on the immigrant group. This finding remained consistent after controlling for risk factors.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that, even as early as preadolescence, the presence of an immigrant background may significantly increase the odds of an individual belonging to a subgroup characterized by emotional distress (as compared with belonging to a healthy class). These findings also suggest similarity across ethnic backgrounds with regard to the expression of emotional problems during preadolescence. This is the first study to identify classes of emotional problems among specific preadolescent immigrant groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele E. Alves
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Heather L. Corliss
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School , Boston , United States
- Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, San Diego University , San Diego , United States
| | - Espen Roysamb
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Henrik D. Zachrisson
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
- Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development , Oslo , Norway
| | - Brit Oppedal
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Kristin Gustavson
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
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Doikou-Avlidou M, Dadatsi K. Enhancing social integration of immigrant pupils at risk for social, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties: the outcomes of a small-scale social-emotional learning programme. EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/13632752.2012.675137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Abstract
This paper reviews research on young migrants in Germany. Particular attention is given to the question of how Germany’s history of migration, immigration policies, and public attitude toward migrants influence the transcultural adaptation of children and adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds. We combine past research with the results of new empirical studies in order to shed light on migrants’ psychological and sociocultural adaptation. Studies comparing young migrants and their German peers in terms of psychological well-being, life satisfaction, and mental health outcome suggest higher rates of emotional and behavioral problems among migrants of most age groups. With regard to adolescent populations between the ages of 14 and 17 years, however, the existence of differences between migrants and natives appears to be less clear. Research has also yielded inconsistent findings regarding the time trajectory of transcultural adaptation among adolescents. The coincidence of acculturation and age-related change is discussed as a possible source of these inconsistencies. Further, we provide an overview of risk and protective factors such as conflicting role expectations and ethnic discrimination, which may cause heightened vulnerability to adverse adaptation outcomes in some groups. Large-scale studies have repeatedly shown migrants of all age groups to be less successful within the German school system, indicating poor sociocultural adaptation. Possible explanations, such as the idiosyncrasies of the German school system, are presented. Our own studies contribute to the understanding of young migrants’ adaptation process by showing that it is their orientation to German culture, rather than the acculturation strategy of integration, that leads to the most positive psychological and sociocultural outcomes. The paper concludes by discussing implications for future cross-cultural research on young migrants and by suggesting recommendations for multicultural policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Frankenberg
- Department of Psychology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katharina Kupper
- Department of Psychology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ruth Wagner
- Department of Psychology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephan Bongard
- Department of Psychology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Peer Relations of Chinese Adolescent Newcomers: Relations of Peer Group Integration and Friendship Quality to Psychological and School Adjustment. JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12134-012-0253-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Titzmann PF, Raabe T, Silbereisen RK. Risk and protective factors for delinquency among male adolescent immigrants at different stages of the acculturation process. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2012; 43:19-31. [PMID: 22023497 DOI: 10.1080/00207590701804305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigated a model of risk and protective factors of the family, school, and peer environment that predict adolescent delinquent behaviour. Three social groups were compared: newcomer ethnic German adolescent immigrants, experienced ethnic German adolescent immigrants, and native adolescents. Based on theoretical assumptions about processes of acculturation, it was hypothesized that the strength of associations between the variables in the theoretical model would vary between newcomer immigrants and native adolescents and also between newcomer and experienced immigrants, but would be similar for experienced immigrants and native adolescents; these hypotheses were supported. Findings suggest that certain risk factors, such as parental violence and involvement with delinquent peers, are more strongly related to delinquency among newcomer immigrants than among experienced immigrants and native adolescents, whereas certain protective factors, such as parental knowledge and school bonding, seem to be relevant for experienced immigrants and native adolescents only. Results seem to indicate that migration can be seen as phase transition with a stronger impact of risk factors on the development of delinquency among newcomer immigrant adolescents. This has implications for studying acculturation processes in immigrant groups as well as for group-specific intervention programmes.
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Poppitt G, Frey R. Sudanese Adolescent Refugees: Acculturation and Acculturative Stress. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1375/ajgc.17.2.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis study explored acculturation and acculturative stress in Sudanese adolescent refugees living in Brisbane. Twenty Sudanese adolescents participated in semi-structured interviews which revealed that the main source of acculturative stress was related to concern over English language proficiency, issues of parental control and conflicting cultural rules. However, optimism for the future was also evident in all the interviews. The results suggested the need for culture specific counselling practices and ongoing English language and cultural support for Sudanese refugee children in mainstream schools.
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Alves DE, Roysamb E, Oppedal B, Zachrisson HD. Emotional problems in preadolescents in Norway: the role of gender, ethnic minority status, and home- and school-related hassles. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2011; 5:37. [PMID: 22093180 PMCID: PMC3287128 DOI: 10.1186/1753-2000-5-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND "The gender gap" refers to a lifelong higher rate of emotional problems in girls, as compared to boys, that appears during adolescence. The gender gap is a well-replicated finding among older adolescents and is assumed to be a cross-cultural phenomenon. However, these cross-cultural studies have not investigated the gender gap in ethnic minorities but sampled ethnic majority adolescents in different countries. Some studies that investigated the gender gap across ethnic groups indirectly (by presenting emotional problem scores stratified by gender and ethnic group) indicate that the gender gap is less prominent or even absent among minorities. The aims of this study were to assess whether the gender gap is found in both majority and minority preadolescents, and to investigate whether a possible (gender and ethnic) group difference can be accounted for by differences in home or school hassles. METHODS Participants were 902 preadolescent students (aged 10 to 12) from two cities in Norway. We collected self-report measures of emotional problems and home and school hassles. Using mediated moderation analysis we tested whether the interaction effect between gender and ethnic minority background on emotional problems was mediated by home or school hassles. RESULTS The gender gap in emotional problems was restricted to ethnic majority preadolescents. School hassles but not home hassles accounted in part for this effect. CONCLUSIONS The absence of the gender gap among minority as opposed to majority preadolescents may indicate that social circumstances may postpone or hamper the emergence and magnitude of the gender gap in ethnic minority preadolescents. In this study, school hassles partly accounted for the combined gender and ethnic group differences on emotional problems. This indicates that school hassles may play a role in the higher levels of emotional problems in preadolescent minority boys and consequently the absence of a gender gap found in our minority sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele E Alves
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Espen Roysamb
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Brit Oppedal
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Henrik D Zachrisson
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway,Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development, Oslo, Norway
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Seglem KB, Oppedal B, Raeder S. Predictors of depressive symptoms among resettled unaccompanied refugee minors. Scand J Psychol 2011; 52:457-64. [PMID: 21895671 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9450.2011.00883.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the level and predictors of depressive symptoms among unaccompanied refugee minors after resettlement in Norway. Participants (N = 414) were resettled in 26 municipalities from all regions of the country. The average length of resettlement time was 3.4 years. They originated from 33 different countries, mainly Afghanistan (n = 116), Somalia (n = 74), Sri Lanka (n = 41) and Iraq (n = 43). Participants completed a self-report questionnaire administered in groups. Findings show that unaccompanied minors are a high-risk group for mental health problems also after resettlement in a new country. A multilevel model predicting depressive symptoms from individual and contextual demographic factors indicated that, controlling for post-traumatic stress, females had more symptoms than males and Somalis had fewer symptoms than participants from other countries. Variation in symptom levels as a function of gender and ethnic background indicates that some groups may have inherent protective or vulnerability factors that need to be further studied to understand differences in psychosocial adaptation among unaccompanied minors. Further, findings imply that researchers, policy makers and mental health care workers need to expand their attention beyond the first phases of arrival of unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee minors to the continuing experience of mental health problems after resettlement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline B Seglem
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
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Richter J, Sagatun Å, Heyerdahl S, Oppedal B, Røysamb E. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) - self-report. An analysis of its structure in a multiethnic urban adolescent sample. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2011; 52:1002-11. [PMID: 21418061 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02372.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SDQ is currently one of the internationally most frequently used screening instruments for child and adolescent mental health purposes. However, its structure, cross-cultural equivalence, and its applicability in ethnic minority groups is still a matter of discussion. METHODS SDQ self-report data of 5,379 ethnic Norwegian and 865 ethnic minority adolescents with a variety of national origins was analysed by means of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Multi-group comparisons considering equal thresholds combined with more in-depth analyses on factor loadings, residuals, composite reliability, and average amount of variance explained by indicators of respective constructs were performed. RESULTS CFA suggested a good fit of the five-factor model of the SDQ self-report in the subsample of ethnic Norwegian adolescents and an acceptable fit in ethnic minority subsamples without substantial differences between ethnic Norwegian SDQ data and data of Pakistani or those of 'other ethnic minority' adolescents. When assuming equal thresholds between response categories of the items as well as equal factor loadings the structure in the data significantly differed between ethnic Norwegian and both ethnic minority samples. Some factor loadings and some correlations between constructs significantly differed between ethnic Norwegian and both ethnic minority samples. The correlation coefficients between the hyperactivity factor and the conduct problems factor were too high in all three subsamples in order to establish distinct constructs. Composite reliability and average explained variance of the emotional symptoms factor were good in all samples, whereas they were low for some of the other factors. CONCLUSIONS To some extent the theoretically proposed five-factor structure of the Norwegian version of the SDQ self-report was supported in 15- to 16-year-old adolescents. However, the results of more detailed analyses raise questions about the interpretation of some subscales. When applying this screening method to Norwegian adolescents, our results suggest that the use of the total difficulty score of the SDQ in screening youth should be preferred over the subscale scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Richter
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway.
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Jasperse M, Ward C, Jose PE. Identity, Perceived Religious Discrimination, and Psychological Well-Being in Muslim Immigrant Women. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW-PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE-REVUE INTERNATIONALE 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-0597.2011.00467.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Michel A, Titzmann PF, Silbereisen RK. Psychological Adaptation of Adolescent Immigrants From the Former Soviet Union in Germany. JOURNAL OF CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/0022022111416662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Stress-and-coping frameworks predict increasing psychological adaptation of immigrants over time, but although previous studies found evidence for this assumption in adult samples, this temporal pattern was hardly found among adolescent immigrants. The authors argue that in adolescent immigrants an acculturation-related increase in psychological adaptation over time might be counterbalanced by an age-typical decrease in indicators of psychological adaptation. This longitudinal study, covering a 3-year period in mid-adolescence, compared change in depressed mood as an indicator of psychological adaptation in three matched samples of 101 newcomer adolescent immigrants, 101 more experienced adolescent immigrants, and 101 native adolescents. Results showed that native adolescents and experienced adolescent immigrants increased in depressed mood, as is typical for this age group, over the 3-year period. Newcomer adolescent immigrants, however, remained stable, reporting more depressed mood initially than the more experienced immigrants. Moreover, the extent of depressed mood reported by newcomer and more experienced adolescent immigrants converged over time. This pattern of results indicates that both age-typical development and acculturation need to be considered when drawing conclusions on change in psychological adaptation over time in immigrant populations.
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Råberg Kjøllesdal MK, Hjellset VT, Bjørge B, Holmboe-Ottesen G, Wandel M. Perceptions of risk factors for diabetes among Norwegian-Pakistani women participating in a culturally adapted intervention. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2011; 16:279-297. [PMID: 21660786 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2011.573537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore perceptions of diabetes risk factors among Pakistani immigrant women, as part of their explanatory model of the disease, and the changes in these perceptions after a culturally adapted intervention. DESIGN Intervention study, carried out in Oslo, Norway, comprising 198 women. RESULTS At baseline, about 75% of the women perceived sugar to be a risk factor for diabetes, about 30% mentioned physical inactivity and stress and close to 20% mentioned overweight. Twelve per cent could not identify any risk factors. When asked about foods to include in a diet to prevent diabetes, vegetables were mentioned by 45%, while 33% did not know any foods to include. Among those attending ≥60% of the educational sessions, the proportions mentioning little physical activity (p<0.001), overweight (p=0.001) and family history (p=0.007) as risk factors increased. Furthermore, the proportions mentioning legumes (p=0.001), fish (p<0.001), fibre (p=0.035) or vegetables (p=0.015) as important in a diet to prevent diabetes increased, and the proportion not knowing any food to include was reduced to 10% (p=0.004). Except for little physical activity, similar changes in responses were not registered in the control group. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for improved knowledge about diabetes prevention among Pakistani immigrant women, and a culturally adapted intervention may contribute to this.
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Dalhaug KC, Oppedal B, Røysamb E. The role of sociocultural context for culture competence and depressive symptoms among ethnic minority youths in junior high school. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/17405621003710843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Lien L, Green K, Thoresen M, Bjertness E. Atopic conditions and mental health problems: a 3-year follow-up study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2010; 19:705-13. [PMID: 20358235 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-010-0106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that atopic conditions at 15/16 years of age affect both internalized and externalized mental health problems 3 years later. Combined school and postal survey was conducted in urban and rural settings. A total of 3,674 adolescents (70.1% response rate) were followed at two time points and interviewed with similar questionnaires at baseline and follow-up. Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-10) was used to assess internalized problems, and two subscales (conduct problems and hyperactivity) from the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire to measure externalized mental health problems. The atopic conditions investigated were asthma, hay fever and eczema by asking the adolescents whether these conditions were present or not. There was an increase in the prevalence of internalized mental health problems from about 17-25% and a decrease in externalized mental health problems and number of atopic conditions in the follow-up period. Of the atopic conditions, hay fever was most prevalent with about 34% at 15 years of age and 20% at 18. The asthma prevalence was at 10 and 5% and eczema at 25 and 10%, respectively. Internalized mental health problems among girls were significantly associated with atopic conditions 3 years earlier, also after controlling for confounding variables. To live with atopic conditions seem to affect the mood and level of anxiety among adolescent girls. This should be kept in mind by health professionals treating young girls with atopic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Lien
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway.
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Vaage AB, Tingvold L, Hauff E, Van Ta T, Wentzel-Larsen T, Clench-Aas J, Thomsen PH. Better mental health in children of Vietnamese refugees compared with their Norwegian peers--a matter of cultural difference? Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2009; 3:34. [PMID: 19845965 PMCID: PMC2770448 DOI: 10.1186/1753-2000-3-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are conflicting results on whether immigrant children are at a heightened risk of mental health problems compared with native youth in the resettlement country. THE OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To compare the mental health of 94 Norwegian-born children from a community cohort of Vietnamese refugees, aged 4 - 18 years, with that of a Norwegian community sample. METHODS The SDQ was completed by two types of informants; the children's self-reports, and the parents' reports, for comparison with Norwegian data from the Health Profiles for Children and Youth in the Akershus study. RESULTS The self-perceived mental health of second-generation Vietnamese in Norway was better than that of their Norwegian compatriots, as assessed by the SDQ. In the Norwegian-Vietnamese group, both children and parents reported a higher level of functioning. CONCLUSION This surprising finding may result from the lower prevalence of mental distress in Norwegian-Vietnamese children compared with their Norwegian peers, or from biased reports and cultural differences in reporting emotional and behavioural problems. These findings may represent the positive results of the children's bi-cultural competencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Basilier Vaage
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Laila Tingvold
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Edvard Hauff
- Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål Department of Psychiatry, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thong Van Ta
- International House Foundation, Stavanger, Norway
| | | | - Jocelyne Clench-Aas
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Mental Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Hove Thomsen
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
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Steinhausen HC, Bearth-Carrari C, Winkler Metzke C. Psychosocial adaptation of adolescent migrants in a Swiss community survey. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2009; 44:308-16. [PMID: 18818857 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-008-0437-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Revised: 09/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare psychosocial adaptation in adolescent (first generation) migrants, double-citizens (mainly second generation with one migrant parent), and native Swiss, and to compare migrants from various European regions. METHOD Data from a community survey were based on 1,239 participants (mean age 13.8, SD = 1.6 years) with 996 natives, 55 double-citizens, and 188 migrants. The adolescents completed the youth self-report measuring emotional and behavioural problems, and various questionnaires addressing life events, personality variables, perceived parental behaviour (PPB), family functioning, school environment, and social network. RESULTS Adolescent migrants had significantly higher scores for internalizing and externalizing problems. There was a pattern of various unfavourable psychosocial features including life events, coping, self-related cognitions, and PPB that was more common among adolescent migrants than natives. Double-citizens were similar to natives in all domains. Young adolescents from South and South-East Europe differed from natives in terms of more unfavourable psychosocial features. Migrant status was best predicted by adverse psychosocial features rather than emotional and behavioural problems. CONCLUSION There is some indication that certain migrant adolescents are at risk of psychosocial mal-adaptation. Obviously, ethnic origin is an important moderator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Christoph Steinhausen
- Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Neumünsterallee 9, Zürich 8032, Switzerland.
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Williams DR, Mohammed SA. Discrimination and racial disparities in health: evidence and needed research. J Behav Med 2009; 32:20-47. [PMID: 19030981 DOI: 10.1007/s10864-008-9184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2008] [Accepted: 10/22/2008] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This paper provides a review and critique of empirical research on perceived discrimination and health. The patterns of racial disparities in health suggest that there are multiple ways by which racism can affect health. Perceived discrimination is one such pathway and the paper reviews the published research on discrimination and health that appeared in PubMed between 2005 and 2007. This recent research continues to document an inverse association between discrimination and health. This pattern is now evident in a wider range of contexts and for a broader array of outcomes. Advancing our understanding of the relationship between perceived discrimination and health will require more attention to situating discrimination within the context of other health-relevant aspects of racism, measuring it comprehensively and accurately, assessing its stressful dimensions, and identifying the mechanisms that link discrimination to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Williams
- Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Williams DR, Mohammed SA. Discrimination and racial disparities in health: evidence and needed research. J Behav Med 2009; 32:20-47. [PMID: 19030981 PMCID: PMC2821669 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-008-9185-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1775] [Impact Index Per Article: 118.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2008] [Accepted: 10/22/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides a review and critique of empirical research on perceived discrimination and health. The patterns of racial disparities in health suggest that there are multiple ways by which racism can affect health. Perceived discrimination is one such pathway and the paper reviews the published research on discrimination and health that appeared in PubMed between 2005 and 2007. This recent research continues to document an inverse association between discrimination and health. This pattern is now evident in a wider range of contexts and for a broader array of outcomes. Advancing our understanding of the relationship between perceived discrimination and health will require more attention to situating discrimination within the context of other health-relevant aspects of racism, measuring it comprehensively and accurately, assessing its stressful dimensions, and identifying the mechanisms that link discrimination to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Williams
- Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Javo C, Rønning JA, Handegård BH, Rudmin FW. Social competence and emotional/behavioral problems in a birth cohort of Sami and Norwegian preadolescents in Arctic Norway as reported by mothers and teachers. Nord J Psychiatry 2009; 63:178-87. [PMID: 19214866 DOI: 10.1080/08039480902741752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In a 7-year follow-up birth cohort from the general population in the Sami core area in Finnmark, Arctic Norway, we examined mothers' and teachers' reports of social competence and emotional/behavioral problems among 71 indigenous Sami and 77 Norwegian 11-12-year-olds. The instruments used were the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for parents and the Teacher Report Form (TRF). No ethnic differences were found on competence scales. Total Problems reported by Sami and Norwegian mothers were low in comparison with the overall mean found in multicultural meta-studies. Sami mothers reported lower Total Problems and Attention Problems than did Norwegian mothers. There were no ethnic differences on the TRF measures. Consistent with other international studies, mothers and teachers rated girls higher than boys on social competence and boys higher than girls on Externalizing and Attention Problems. Gender differences were larger on the TRF than on the CBCL. The very low problem ratings made by the Sami mothers indicate that there is a need for specific clinical cut-off points to distinguish between clinically referred and non-referred children in this indigenous Arctic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Javo
- Sami National Centre for Mental Health, Karasjok, Norway.
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The other side of the healthy immigrant paradox: Chinese sojourners in Ireland and Britain who return to China due to personal and familial health crises. Cult Med Psychiatry 2008; 32:627-41. [PMID: 18818991 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-008-9112-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Based on participant observation and interviews conducted between 2003 and 2006, this paper examines the experiences of three young adult Chinese sojourners in Ireland and the United Kingdom who return to the People's Republic of China for permanent residence because of personal or familial health crises. Their experiences illustrate the plight of failed sojourners who are part of the little-studied other side of the "healthy immigrant paradox." The experiences of the sojourners in this case study illustrate factors that tend to prevent less healthy or resourceful sojourner families from even entering the immigrant category, which has been shown to be paradoxically healthier than nonimmigrant native categories in epidemiological studies. This paper's approach demonstrates how ethnography can contribute to the study of public health by shedding light on the experiences of marginal individuals who fall between the cracks of epidemiological studies.
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