Abstract

Although some refugee and immigrant adolescents are at increased risk for psychological problems, most adjust well to their host countries. However, there is a lack of knowledge about those very recently arrived. This study assessed if pre-migratory exposure to trauma (i. e., violence and persecution), family separation, and status in the host country predict emotional and behavioural symptoms (self- and teacher report) in a community sample of 111 migrant adolescents attending integration classes in Montreal. Exposure to pre-migratory trauma predicted greater emotional symptoms on self-report. Family separation and status did not predict symptoms. Overall, these results suggest attention should be given during the initial post-migration period to adolescents who have experienced pre-migratory trauma because they may be at increased risk for internalizing problems

Keywords: Adolescent, refugee, immigrant, emotional and behavioural symptoms, time, migratory stressors