Bidirectional Effects and Interconnectivity of Risk and Protective Factors for Integration in Unaccompanied Migrant Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background The scientific literature addresses the portrayal of unaccompanied migrant children and young people from different perspectives. Some works suggest that this population face challenges and risks upon arrival, such as problems communicating in a new language, a lack of cultural competence, economic stress, and other contingent, legal, and social problems. Other studies focus on resilience, including coping strategies, effective trauma symptom management, the preservation of a sense of personal pride, a capacity to prevent self-isolation, and societal openness to diversity. Objectives The objective of this study is to identify, systematize, and expose these factors through a socio-ecological model. Methods The present study has conducted a systematic literature review on unaccompanied foreign minors’ protective and risk factors for integration. Results A final sample of 36 papers has been selected according to the inclusion criteria. The published evidence suggests a bidirectional effect of risk and protective factors in their integration into the reception society. Unaccompanied minors are not seen only from the perspective of their vulnerability but also as resilient children in inclusive contexts as a continuum in the integration model. Conclusions Addressing the issue of unaccompanied migrant minors from a socio-ecological perspective allows us to analyze the migratory phenomenon not only as a problem to solve but also as an opportunity. When unaccompanied children’s vulnerability and resilience factors are considered together in a holistic approach, the picture of how intervention should be focused on the interconnectivity of risk and protective factors for social integration.