Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies
Volume 14, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 1-25

Mental Health of Undocumented Immigrant Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review of Methodology and Findings (Article)

Garcini L.M.* , Murray K.E. , Zhou A. , Klonoff E.A. , Myers M.G. , Elder J.P.
  • a SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, United States
  • b University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
  • c San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
  • d SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, United States
  • e University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
  • f San Diego State University, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

This study systematically reviewed the methodology and findings of 24 peer-reviewed studies on psychosocial risk factors associated with the mental health of undocumented immigrants (UIs) in the United States. Of these studies, 14 included quantitative data and 13 were qualitative. The most common recruitment methods were snowball techniques, and most studies used convenience samples of recent UI Latinos. The method of assessing legal status varied, including current versus retrospective undocumented status. Psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and substance use/abuse were identified as prevalent themes. Studies with enhanced methodological rigor are needed. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Immigrant Stress Mental health Latinos Undocumented

Index Keywords

immigrant risk factor methodology Latino people United States mental health adult
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85000692653&doi=10.1080%2f15562948.2014.998849&partnerID=40&md5=2934d2cbc9baca8fc35040d0ce782053
DOI: 10.1080/15562948.2014.998849
ISSN: 15562948
Cited by: 21
Original Language: English