The role of psychosocial factors in the intergenerational transmission of mental health problems in refugee families

Abstract

The psychological impact of forced displacement often persists across generations, affecting both refugees and their offspring. This systematic review identified psychosocial factors that increase the risk of the intergenerational transmission of mental health problems in refugee families. A search across three databases resulted in the inclusion of four studies, with a combined sample of 1,424 participants. The findings indicated that maternal psychopathology, specifically complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), co-occurring with depression, was linked to internalizing problems in children. Emotional unavailability in the parent-child relationship was associated with both emotional and behavioral difficulties in children. Socioeconomic stressors, such as housing instability and parental unemployment, undermined family functioning and increased children’s vulnerability to psychological problems. Due to the limited number of included studies and methodological heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Nevertheless, a narrative synthesis demonstrated risk factors across various refugee populations. These preliminary results emphasize the need for systemic interventions that focus on both parents and children, extending beyond parental symptom reduction. Integrating relational approaches, such as Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) with individual treatments, such as EMDR, may foster secure attachment, enhance resilience and help break the cycle of intergenerational transmission. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs and examine the role of fathers in the intergenerational transmission of mental health issues, to contribute to the development of family-centered interventions.