Refugee mental health and the role of place in the Global North countries: A scoping review

Post-migration factors significantly influence refugee mental health. This scoping review looks at the role of place in refugee mental health. We included 34 studies in Global North high-income countries that elaborated on the place characteristics of facilities, neighbourhoods, urban and rural areas, and countries. While the role of place remains under-theorised, all studies reveal common characteristics that support a strong relationship between place of residence, refugee mental health and wellbeing outcomes in post-migration context. Given that refugees often have little or no choice of where they ultimately live, we suggest future research should focus on how characteristics of place co-constitute post-migration refugee mental health risks, protections, and outcomes.

Automated summary

This scoping review examines the impact of place on refugee mental health. The findings indicate that the characteristics of the place of residence are closely linked to the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of refugees. Given that refugees often have limited choice in their living arrangements, future research should focus on how place characteristics co-constitute mental health risks, protections, and outcomes for post-migration refugees.