Impacts of exile on mental health: Considerations with a differential approach. State of the art 2000-2019

Abstract

Introduction: Exile generates the fracture of the vital project and a high load of stress, which can induce the appearance of mental health disorders and health in general. The impact is subject to various demographic variables. The objective of this article is to present the product of a review of the impacts od exile on mental health based on age, gender and the most important risk and  protection factors. Finally, reference is made to the most relevant approaches from the perspective of mental health. Methodology: A search was carried out in various databases of academic literature between the period 2000-2019 using terms in Spanish, English and Portuguese in relation to the impacts of exile on the mental health of women, minor and older adults. The saturation criterion was used. Results: Although exile itself does not  necessarily result in mental illness, the greatest risk is associated with armed conflicts; in women, the absence of an affective partner and the confluence of care roles; in older adults, loneliness, illness and poverty and in all  ages and genders, being a victim of hostility or discrimination in the host society. As protective factors, younger age; family and social network; favorable economic conditions, higher level of educations, integration into social groups with cultural and linguistic affinity in the country of arrival. Conclusions: There is no single therapeutic approach. It´s important to highlight relevance of a comprehensive and cross-cultural perspective and the need for specific public policies.