Refugees demonstrate high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological disorders. The recent increase in forcible displacement internationally necessitates the understanding of factors associated with refugee mental health. While pre-migration trauma is recognized as a key predictor of mental health outcomes in refugees and asylum seekers, research has increasingly focused on the psychological effects of post-migration stressors in the settlement environment. This article reviews the research evidence linking post-migration factors and mental health outcomes in refugees and asylum seekers. Findings indicate that socioeconomic, social, and interpersonal factors, as well as factors relating to the asylum process and immigration policy affect the psychological functioning of refugees. Limitations of the existing literature and future directions for research are discussed, along with implications for treatment and policy. © 2016, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Mental health PTSD Post-migration stress Refugee

Needs Assessment vulnerable population depression social exclusion refugee anxiety disorder complication mental health human social isolation Refugees immigration detention Stress, Psychological mental stress mental disease asylum seeker psychological well being Humans psychology Review socioeconomics prevention and control interpersonal stress migration posttraumatic stress disorder distress syndrome Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Emigration and Immigration psychotrauma social discrimination somatoform disorder