Migrant Adolescents Research Articles

Cumulative Risk and Subjective Well-Being Among Rural-to-Urban Migrant Adolescents in China: Differential Moderating Roles of Stress Mindset and Resilience

Migrant adolescents are exposed to a variety of risk factors that threaten their well-being. However, previous studies have often focused on one or several factors separately, ignoring the cumulative effect of risks. The current study adopted the cumulative risk (CR) model and examined the deleterious effect of CR on the three indices of subjective well-being (SWB) among early migrant adolescents in China. We further explored the moderating role of resilience and stress mindset on the above associations. A sample of 234 early migrant adolescents (45.7% girls) completed self-reported questionnaires in two waves (2016–2017), and the mean age of valid participants was 11.49 years (SD = 1.16) at T1. The multiple regression results indicated that CR negatively predicted adolescents’ life satisfaction one year later. Moreover, high resilience and a more stress-is-enhancing mindset buffered the deleterious effect of CR on the emotional components of SWB. Specifically, the negative effect of CR on positive affect was reduced as resilience increased, whereas the adverse effect of CR on negative affect was attenuated by holding a more stress-is-enhancing mindset. The present findings suggest that CR is a useful predictor for multiple risk factors to which migrant adolescents are exposed and that it has a robust effect on later SWB. These findings also contribute to a better understanding of the moderating roles of resilience and stress mindset to aid future intervention programs.

Emotional Awareness Moderates the Association Between Discrimination and Emotional-Behavioral Problems: A Cross-Informant Study in Chinese Rural-to-Urban Migrant Youth

The present study used a sample of Chinese rural-to-urban migrants in early adolescence to examine whether emotional awareness (EA) moderated the expected association between status-based discrimination and emotional-behavioral problems and whether patterns of associations differed across informants (self-report vs. teacher-report). A total of 169 migrant early adolescents (46.1% girls, age: 10-13 years) living in Shanghai completed self-report measures of discrimination and emotional-behavioral problems, while self-related and other-related EA were assessed via structured vignettes. Teachers were asked to evaluate their students’ emotional-behavioral problems. Linear regression analyses indicated that at high levels of discrimination, adolescents with higher EA-self reported having more emotional-behavioral problems than those with lower EA-self; in addition, adolescents with lower (as opposed to higher) EA-other were rated as more problematic by their teachers. Our findings suggest that school-based prevention or intervention programs may target EA-related abilities to minimize the adverse effects of discrimination on rural-to-urban migrants’ socioemotional adjustment.

La violación al derecho de libertad en la detención administrativa migratoria: el caso de las niñas, niños y adolescentes migrantes en Méxica

En este trabajo se analiza como las leyes migratorias priorizan la detención administrativa migratoria de las niñas, niños y adolescentes migrantes con motivo del procedimiento administrativo de verificación migratoria y como contraria en todo momento el principio de presunción de libertad, al principio de la excepcionalidad de la detención a la que hace referencia la convención de los Derechos del Hombre. Asimismo se analiza cómo estas leyes no cuentan con un procedimiento especial que priorice evaluar las circunstancias particulares de cada una de las personas migrantes para determinar su detención para su posible retorno o deportación, bajo los principios de necesidad, razonabilidad y proporcionalidad.

Multicultural Acceptance of Natives and Self-concept and School Achievement of Migrant Adolescents in Korea - Moderating Effect of Social Support -

This study analyzes the influence of Korean natives’ multicultural acceptance on self-concept and school achievement among migrant background youth, using the five-year longitudinal data (2013-2017) from KELS 2013. It also examines the interaction effects of multicultural acceptance and social support. The results show that: (i) the multicultural acceptance (diversity) of natives has a positive impact on the family self-concept but negative impact on the physical self-concept of migrant adolescents; (ii) the multicultural acceptance (relationship) has a positive effect on the academic achievement of migrant adolescents; (iii) social support plays significant roles in controlling the influence of natives’ multicultural acceptance on migrant adolescents’ self-concept and academic achievement. The findings suggest that there is a need of continued policy efforts to improve the acceptance of multiculturalism and to expand the social support system for migrant adolescents in Korea.

El enfoque de derechos humanos y la protección de los grupos vulnerables en la política migratoria y el ordenamiento jurídico del estado peruano

This article presents some institutional, doctrinal, normative and jurisprudential notes about the incorporation of the Human Rights Approach and the Protection of Vulnerable Groups, in the Migration Policy and the Legal Order in Peru; a reflection on the duty of the Peruvian State to adapt the legal system to human rights; and finally report the presence of the Human Rights Approach and the Protection of Vulnerable Groups in the actions implemented by the National Superintendence of Migration, also referring a particular mention on migrant children and adolescents as a Vulnerable Group which requires special protection.

Urban & Online: Social Media Use among Adolescents and Sense of Belonging to a Super-Diverse City

In a world of continuous migration, super-diverse cities consist of a multitude of migrants and non-migrants from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Yet one characteristic they all have in common is the place where they currently live. In addition, both groups are active users of social media, especially the young. Social media provide platforms to construct and negotiate one’s identity—particularly the identity related to where one lives: urban identity. This article presents the results of a survey study (N = 324) investigating the relationships between social media engagement and identity construction among migrant and non-migrant adolescents in the super-diverse city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It was found that urban identity was significantly higher for migrants than non-migrants. Certain aspects of social media engagement predicted urban identity in combination with social identity. Finally, social media engagement was found to be positively related to group self-esteem.

Statusübergang im Bildungssystem und Wohlbefinden von Migranten-Jugendlichen im internationalen Vergleich

This paper investigates the well-being of adolescent migrants compared to their native counterparts during the status transition at the end of lower secondary school in England, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. We use data from wave 1 and 3 of the CILS4EU-Project (Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries) and analyze well-being (life satisfaction and problem behavior) as a function of the welfare systems, their institutionalized educational trajectories and the cultural distance between the country of origin and the host society. We find that during the transition, the well-being of all students increased in those countries where well-being scored lowest (England and Germany) and decreased where it scored highest (the Netherlands and Sweden) in advance. The greater the distance to the culture of the host society was, the stronger the decrease in well-being was. Interestingly, while the well-being of native students decreased with upward track mobility, it increased for culturally distant students (vice versa effects are shown for downward track mobility). This result remained stable even after controlling for personal characteristics.

Stressful life events and well-being among rural-to-urban migrant adolescents: The moderating role of the stress mindset and differences between genders

IntroductionRecent empirical studies have shown that the stress mindset is an implicit belief about stress and that the stress-is-enhancing mindset attenuates the negative effects of stressful life events on psychological and behavioral outcomes. Migrant adolescents experience more adverse life events, which are potential risk factors that can decrease their well-being. This study first explored the relationship between stressful life events and well-being (depression and life satisfaction) among Chinese rural-to-urban migrant adolescents. Furthermore, we examined the protective role of the enhancing stress mindset in this relationship and the moderating effect of gender. MethodsIn total, 396 Chinese rural-to-urban migrant adolescents aged between 10 and 14 years (M = 11.75 years, SD = 1.16) completed a battery of self-report questionnaires concerning their stressful life events, stress mindsets, depression and life satisfaction. ResultsThe hierarchical multiple regressions showed that stressful life events were positively associated with depression and negatively associated with life satisfaction. Compared to the adolescents with the stress-is-debilitating mindset, the adolescents with the stress-is-enhancing mindset were less prone to depression when faced with more stressful life events. Furthermore, the stress mindset was positively linked to life satisfaction among the girls but not the boys. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the stress-is-enhancing mindset is a protective factor that may help migrant adolescents mitigate adversity and improve their well-being.

Impact of acculturation and psychological adjustment on mental health among migrant adolescents in Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional questionnaire study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the pathway and associations among acculturation (ie, language, social interaction and lifestyle), psychological adjustment and mental health of internal migrant adolescents in...

Young migrant mental health difficulties and suicidal behaviours: an alternative perspective.

SummaryThe Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) study brings attention to the special needs of adolescent migrants. Alternative data analyses could lead to improved service delivery and requisite education/training of health and mental health personnel. We advocate earlier identification by using SEYLE data to shape policy about youth suicidal behaviour and ideation in prevention efforts.Declaration of interestNone.

Mobility and the mobile: A study of adolescent migrants and their use of the mobile phone

In this article, we explore the day-to-day importance of digital media, specifically the use of mobile phones in the lives of migrant minors—also known as unaccompanied foreign minors—in juvenile residential centres. For this study, we employed a general ethnographic methodology and, in particular, a workshop based on different artistic techniques that encouraged the young people involved to become active participants, committed from the start in the generation of the material to be used for the analysis of their daily practices. This approach emerged from the recognition of the importance for these young people to feel included and connected. Migrant adolescents take refuge in their mobile devices to participate in the youth microculture, both locally and globally. In addition, they are able to access different social networks that allow them to play out the personas they wish to adopt. Finally, we recognise the importance of digital media in allowing them to maintain close and affective relationships with their relatives, fellow citizens, and communities in their country of origin.

Are there disparities in different domains of physical activity between school-aged migrant and non-migrant children and adolescents? Insights from Germany

BackgroundLarge proportions of the populations in many European countries, including Germany, are migrants. Migrant children and adolescents tend to be less physically active than their non-migrant peers. However, current research is limited as it does not sufficiently consider different domains of physical activity. Using a representative dataset, the present study examines the patterns of sports participation and other domains of physical activity among migrant and non-migrant children and adolescents residing in Germany.MethodsNationwide data from the Motorik-Modul (MoMo) Study is used. Five different domains of physical activity participation (sports clubs, outside of sports clubs, extra-curricular physical activity, physical activity, outdoor play and active commuting to school) were compared between children and adolescents with no, one-sided and two-sided migration background using logistic regression adjusted for demographic factors. Interaction terms were included in order to examine whether difference between the three groups differ by age and gender.ResultsInformation on n = 3,323 children and adolescents was available. As compared to non-migrants, children and adolescents with a two-sided migration background had a 40% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.60, 95%-CI: 0.44–0.81), those with a one-sided migration background a 26% (aOR = 0.74, 95%-CI: 0.55-<1.00) lower chance of participating in sport club activities. In contrast, children and adolescents with a two-sided migration background were at 65% higher chance of participating in extra-curricular physical activity than non-migrants (OR = 1.65, 95%-CI: 1.15–2.36).ConclusionThe study shows that differences in levels of physical activity between migrant and non-migrant children and adolescents are less pronounced than previous research has suggested. In particular, it reveals that migrants are only disadvantaged regarding participation in sports clubs whereas they fare better with respect to extra-curricular physical activity. Interventions should therefore address barriers migrant children and adolescents encounter in the access to sport clubs while maintaining their high level of extra-curricular physical activity.

Migración rural-urbana de jóvenes y adolescentes en riesgo de exclusión social y educativa

El presente texto realiza una revisión de literatura científica con el objetivo de conocer las diferentes miradas e interpretaciones sobre migración rural – urbana de jóvenes y adolescentes en riesgos de exclusión social. La metodología aplicada en el marco del enfoque cualitativo permitió la organización, el estudio e interpretación de 25 investigaciones publicadas en la biblioteca digital de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Como resultado se llegó a comprender que la migración es un fenómeno complejo, dinámico y multifacético. En esta perspectiva emerge el tipo de movimiento migratorio rural-urbana que recae en el grupo de jóvenes y adolescentes que “salen en busca de trabajo” y los que “migran para estudiar”. Esta población de jóvenes y adolescentes migrantes del campo a la ciudad es uno de los segmentos sumamente vulnerables. En esa condición, los sujetos jóvenes están expuestos a múltiples procesos dinámicos de exclusión social, educativa, laboral, política y cultural.

Трудности учебной деятельности детей-мигрантов в Италии

According to the latest report published in 2018 in Pisa every sixth pupil in Italian schools nowadays is a migrant. Statistic data show the skyrocketed increase of migrant children in schools since 2003. According to the Italian Edition of «La Verità», referring to the OCSE (L'Organizzazione per la cooperazione e lo sviluppo economico report (OCSE)-organisation for economic cooperation and development), "children with immigration experiences tend to be less successful at school than their peers. If 69 percent of Italian children achieve required by the OCSE outcomes in reading, mathematics and science, only 51% of the first generation of migrant children can match them. «This figure is even lower and falls to 36% if we take into account children who arrived to Italy and were enrolled to comprehensive schools at the age of 12 years and older. What is the main problem of migrant children at school in the new socio-cultural context? First of all, it is language. And language snowballs other problems. The traumatic experience of relocation, the difference of cultures and conflict of families with new reality, all this has an impact on the way the child feels in the new world and the way s/he experiences difficulties. Among migrant adolescents one can note a more intensive experience of internal conflicts, they face a wrenching sense of loneliness, don't feel understood and accepted. In this article, we will discuss the main learning difficulties which are most common among children of migrants, as well as the issues of professional readiness of teachers of Italian secondary schools to the difficulties of this kind

Identifying the quality of life in Afghan adolescent migrants in Turkey: A fieldwork with nursing diary perspective

Aim: This study aims to determinate Quality of life, from the perspective of nurses and Afghan Migrant children in Turkey. Material and Methods: This study used method includes quantitative and qualitative nurses’ diary. The research was conducted with Afghan children aged 14-18 (n=254) and 20 nurse practitioners. Socio-demographic questionnaire and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were utilized as a quantitative data. Qualitative data collected by nursing diary to explain the quality of life of migrant children. Results: Socio-demographic data collected the study for 218 houses as 1.841 Afghans and study samples. SF-36 mean scores were 72.80±1.45 in the physical functioning, 71.80±1.27 social functioning, 78.46±2.36 in the physical problems, 82.28±2.13 in the emotional problems, 67.10±0.84 mental health, 56.34±0.97 in the energy and vitality, 70.62±1.39 in the bodily pain and 56.25±0.87 in the general perception of health. As a result of observing the selves and Afghans population, and reflecting on them by diaries, the nurse practitioners have raised plenty of concerns about their condition of life and faced with many cultural difficulties.Conclusion: This study has provided evidence Afghan migrants have a low quality of life which was affected by cultural and social resources.Keywords: Adolescent; afghan; migrant; nurse; quality of life.

Illuminating Mexican Migrant Adolescents' Dental Access and Utilization Experiences.

To illuminate Mexican migrant adolescents' dental access and utilization experiences. Qualitative focus groups were conducted in English between July 2015 and March 2016 as part of a community-based participatory research project. Adolescents (n=61) aged 12-19 years, from Mexican migrant worker families, who sought healthcare services at a federally-qualified migrant health clinic in San Diego County, California. Seven focus groups, with different sessions for 12-14, 15-16, and 17-19 year olds. Group size ranged from 4-14. Groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, then analyzed using content and general thematic analyses by two researchers using Dedoose qualitative analysis software. Analysis was guided by the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations. Multiple themes emerged: dental fear, difficulty with scheduling dental appointments, competing with family demands, family income and dental tourism, home remedies, lack of direct adolescent-provider communication, and negative dental visit experiences. Adolescents expressed high levels of dental fear and expressed negative dental visit experiences. Cost was a top barrier to care, despite most having dental insurance. Some described seeking dental services and braces in Mexico due to cost. Adolescents wanted providers to discuss their oral health and treatment needs with them directly as patients, rather than with their parents. Adolescents identified structural and communication barriers that impede access to dental care. Improved patient-provider communication may help build rapport, mitigate dental fear, and facilitate adolescents' understanding of needed dental treatment and their oral health status. Dental providers may benefit from training to enhance culturally competent communication with Mexican migrant adolescents, and should discuss treatment plans with adolescent patients directly.

Learning engagement as a target for interventions: a qualitative study of first-generation migrant adolescents in Finnish secondary education

ABSTRACTEngagement is considered key in measuring student development, offering valuable clues into the adaptation, motivation and participation of students. This article sheds light on the multifaceted construct of engagement and its implications for first-generation migrant adolescents. Participant interviews and observations were conducted to investigate student experiences of engagement and the utility of engagement in intervention designs. Identified determinants of engagement consist of cultural capital, school norms and values, teacher-student relationships and relevance of support services. The results show that engagement goes beyond individual dispositions and achievement and includes learning environments and resources. Keeping in mind the vulnerable position of migrants and the need to ensure equal educational opportunity, a reshaping of engagement-related support services, interventions and school practices is needed.

Using a mobile application to detect health needs among children and adolescents who are newly arrived migrants in Europe.

Unprecedented numbers of migrants have arrived in Europe, including children and adolescents. Little is known about their unique health needs. Prospective data collection has been sparse. Mobile applications may help to facilitate global health surveillance. A pre-validated survey instrument was converted into a mobile application covering self-reported exposures and disruptions of healthcare before/during migration, communicable and non-communicable diseases. Participation was voluntary, anonymous and confidential. Data were obtained from 405 migrant children and adolescents in Berlin, Germany, between 7 October 2015 and 15 March 2016 (median age 19 years, range: 1-24; 80.7% males) with the majority from Syria (62.5%), Afghanistan (9.1%) and Iraq (8.2%). In total, 55% were without family, 64% registered asylum-seekers with access to healthcare; 54% had seen a doctor since arrival, with colds or respiratory complaints (37.5 and 13.6%), followed by pain (26.7%) gastrointestinal (12.4%) and skin problems (11.1%). Underlying conditions were reported in 15.6%, predominantly asthma. Overall, 73% reported being up-to date on immunizations, but only 22% held a vaccination record with 46.4% having lost it during migration. The lack of medical and immunization records among newly arrived migrants provides a challenge to healthcare systems. Mobile applications offer rapid screening tools in times of crisis, helping stakeholders with timely information.

Challenges of developing and conducting an international study of resilience in migrant adolescents

The sequelae of migration and the effects of local migration policies on children’s physical and mental health are critical to examine, particularly given the historically high numbers of migrants and displaced people. The vulnerability of the study sample and the need to work across cultures and contexts makes research on this group challenging. We outline lessons learned through conducting a pilot study of resilience resources and mental health among migrant youth in six countries. We describe the benefits and challenges, and then provide recommendations and practical advice for social work researchers attempting cross-cultural team research on migrants.

Intermarriage and the Lifecycle Timing of Migration

We document the relative permeability of ethno-racial boundaries between natives and immigrants who arrived at different stages of their lifecycle. The odds of crossing boundaries involving White spouses are highest among child migrants and lowest among adolescent migrants. By contrast, immigrants who arrive at older ages have lower odds of crossing the Black–Hispanic boundary in marriage. These findings illustrate the importance of the lifecycle timing of migration for marital sorting behavior and immigrant integration.