The article provides an overview of the contemporary literature on the social and psychological factors which are associated with migration. Derived from the operationalisation of "migration" and an examination of the methodological peculiarities of migration research, a (transactional) stress model of migration is proposed incorporating potentially stress-eliciting influences of migration including occupational pressures, social isolation and/or family-related problems and their impact on psychological and physical health. There are inconsistencies in the findings regarding psychological health, which can in part be explained through the phenomena of the "healthy migrant effect", duration of stay in the host culture or the culture-specificity. Moreover, a discussion is provided of the extent that disorders associated with differentially stressed migrants will be manifested in the health care system. Finally, concluding remarks are offered together with a short discussion of the implication of these findings for future research and social and health policy decision- making.

Mental health Migration Psycho-social aspects

cultural anthropology Cultural Diversity Germany psychological aspect health care policy Europe mental health human social isolation Ethnic Groups Stress, Psychological mental stress ethnic group Substance-Related Disorders policy Time Factors comparative study alcoholism social support Mental Disorders mental disease Humans Acculturation Socioeconomic Factors risk factor Risk Factors Review socioeconomics cultural factor adult migration research addiction Health Policy Transients and Migrants Delivery of Health Care public policy health care delivery time Child