[The Mental Health Problems of Unaccompanied and Accompanied Refugees in Childhood and Adolescence in Germany]. / Psychische Belastung bei unbegleiteten und begleiteten Flüchtlingen im Kindes- und Jugendalter in Deutschland.

ABSTRACT

The Mental Health Problems of Unaccompanied and Accompanied Refugees in Childhood and Adolescence in Germany Abstract. Abstracts Objective: This articles investigates the psychological distress and stressful life events in unaccompanied minor refugees (UMR) in adolescence and accompanied minor refugees (AMR) in childhood and adolescence living in Germany. Additionally, it analyzes the predictors of psychological distress in the adolescents. Method We assessed 170 children and adolescents (adolescents n = 56 UMR, n = 72 AMR; children n = 42 AMR) using questionnaires on emotional and behavioral problems and stressful life events. In addition, we questioned the adolescents on PTSS (adolescents self-report; children caregiver report). Results: 45.8 % UMR (adolescents), 42.4 % AMR (adolescents), and 56.1 % AMR (children) showed emotional and behavioral problems. On average, we identified 7 stressful life events in UMR (adolescents) and 4 in AMR (adolescents, children). UMR (adolescents) reported more emotional problems, more PTSS, and more stressful life events than did AMR (adolescents). 43.8 % UMR (adolescents) and 27.9 % AMR (adolescents) reported PTSS. The number of stressful life events was found to be the most robust predictor for emotional and behavioral problems as well as PTSS in adolescents. Conclusions: The results indicate the need for psychological interventions of refugee minors in Germany.