Psychosocial and neurobiological aspects of the worldwide refugee crisis: From vulnerability to resilience

Psychosocial and neurobiological aspects of the worldwide refugee crisis: From vulnerability to resilience

Clinical psychology

Kristen Walker

H. Anisman, D. Doubad, A. Asokumar, K. Matheson

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews

Vol. 165

No. 105859

2024

Journal article

English

Open Access

Immigration occurs between countries either to obtain employment, for family reunification or to escape violence and other life-threatening conditions. Refugees and asylum seekers are often obligated to overcome a uniquely challenging set of circumstances prior to and during migration. Settlement following immigration may pose yet another set of stressors related to acculturation to the host country, as well as financial insecurity, discrimination, language barriers, and social isolation. Here we discuss the multiple consequences of immigration experiences, focusing on the health disturbances that frequently develop in adults and children. Aside from the psychosocial influences, immigration-related challenges may cause hormonal, inflammatory immune, and microbiota changes that favor psychological and physical illnesses. Some biological alterations are subject to modification by epigenetic changes, which have implications for intergenerational trauma transmission, as might disruptions in parenting behaviors and family dysfunction. Despite the hardships experienced, many immigrants and their families exhibit positive psychological adjustment after resettlement. We provide information to diminish the impacts associated with immigration and offer strength-based approaches that may foster resilience.