Syrian caregivers in perimigration: A systematic review from an ecological systems perspective.


Currently, there are approximately 12.8 million Syrian refugees and displaced persons, many of whom are in perimigration, the phase between initial displacement and eventual resettlement, and half of all refugees are children (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], 2018a). The experiences associated with perimigration and their impact on caregivers and children have yet to be systematically reviewed from an ecological systems perspective. Three online databases, gray literature, and references of existing studies were searched for articles that (a) investigated caregivers or families, (b) distinguished the perimigration period, (c) characterized resource deprivation or stress exposure, and (d) investigated war and conflict-exposed internally displaced persons or refugees. Our search produced 245 articles, 34 of which were extracted. Domains of stress exposure were summarized as: inadequate living conditions; decreased opportunities, resources, and services; trauma, victimization, and security concerns; ongoing migration and family separation; discrimination; and detention and asylum-seeking. The following were operationalized as outcomes: child and caregiver mental health; child physical health; child abuse, neglect or harsh parenting; and child exploitation. These findings are applied in consideration of the largest current displaced population, Syrians. Implications for future research and intervention are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)