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A System Model of Post-Migration Risk Factors Affecting the Mental Health of Unaccompanied Minor Refugees in Austria—A Multi-Step Modeling Process Involving Expert Knowledge from Science and Practice

Author

Listed:
  • Nicole Hynek

    (Department for Knowledge and Communication Management, Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria)

  • Arleta Franczukowska

    (Department for Economics and Health, Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria)

  • Lydia Rössl

    (Department for Migration and Globalisation, Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria)

  • Günther Schreder

    (Department for Knowledge and Communication Management, Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria)

  • Anna Faustmann

    (Department for Migration and Globalisation, Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria)

  • Eva Krczal

    (Department for Economics and Health, Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria)

  • Isabella Skrivanek

    (Department for Migration and Globalisation, Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria)

  • Isolde Sommer

    (Department for Evidence-Based Medicine und Evaluation, Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria)

  • Lukas Zenk

    (Department for Knowledge and Communication Management, Danube University Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria)

Abstract

Various studies have indicated that unaccompanied minor refugees (UMRs) have a higher risk of suffering from mental health problems than do accompanied minor refugees and general population norm. However, only a few studies provide data on UMRs regarding post-migration risk factors, their interrelations, and their influence on mental health. In this study, system models of post-migration risk factors for mental health and their interactions were developed in the case of Austria. In three consecutive interactive workshops with scientists and practitioners, fuzzy-logic cognitive mapping techniques were used to integrate the experts’ knowledge. The resulting final system model consists of 11 risk factors (e.g., social contacts in the host country, housing situation, or professional health care services). The model provides a deeper insight into the complexity of interrelated direct, indirect, and reciprocal relations, as well as self-reinforcing triads. This systemic approach provides a sound basis for further investigations, taking into account the inherent complex multifactorial dependencies in this topic.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicole Hynek & Arleta Franczukowska & Lydia Rössl & Günther Schreder & Anna Faustmann & Eva Krczal & Isabella Skrivanek & Isolde Sommer & Lukas Zenk, 2020. "A System Model of Post-Migration Risk Factors Affecting the Mental Health of Unaccompanied Minor Refugees in Austria—A Multi-Step Modeling Process Involving Expert Knowledge from Science and Practice," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:14:p:5058-:d:384238
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Montgomery, Edith, 2008. "Long-term effects of organized violence on young Middle Eastern refugees' mental health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(10), pages 1596-1603, November.
    2. Bean, Tammy M. & Eurelings-Bontekoe, Elisabeth & Spinhoven, Philip, 2007. "Course and predictors of mental health of unaccompanied refugee minors in the Netherlands: One year follow-up," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(6), pages 1204-1215, March.
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