This paper describes the effect of pre-migration and post-migration experiences on the mental health of a sample of 40 refugee children aged 8-16 who lived in London with at least one parent or a refugee relative. Children's post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms were assessed with standardised self-report measures (Impact of Event Scale and Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children, respectively). Information regarding past and present experiences were gathered during an interview with parents. There was a significant correlation between the number of pre-migration traumas experienced by the families and the children's PTSD scores. There was also a significant correlation between the families' number of post-migration stresses and children's depression scores. Higher PTSD scores were significantly associated with the pre-migration experience of violent death of family members and the post-migration experience of an insecure asylum status. Higher depression scores were significantly associated with insecure asylum status and severe financial difficulties. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed. © Steinkopff Verlag 2004.

PTSD Pre-migration experiences Post-migration experiences Depression

Parents rating scale depression refugee psychological aspect correlation analysis mental health human Refugees psychologic assessment Life Change Events life event violence Self Report controlled study health status Time Factors death Great Britain financial management standardization school child family Humans Adolescent parent male female risk factor Risk Factors questionnaire self concept medical information symptom scoring system emotional stress Article psychologic test experience Questionnaires migration posttraumatic stress disorder United Kingdom Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Emigration and Immigration relative time Child