Quality of life in unaccompanied young refugees: the role of traumatic events, post-migration stressors and mental distress

Background Unaccompanied young refugees (UYRs) are exposed to numerous potentially traumatizing events and post-migration stressors before, during, and after migration. These adverse experiences may affect their mental health and their quality of life. Consequently, this study aimed to focus on the quality of life of UYRs and identify factors that may influence it. Methods Potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (CATS-2), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), as well as post-migration stressors (DSSYR) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) were assessed in N  = 158 UYRs ( M _Age = 16.92, SD _Age = 1.41, 84.2% male) residing in different child welfare facilities in Germany. Serial mediation models were used to examine the influence of the above-mentioned factors on quality of life. Results UYRs reported a mean of 6.18 ( SD  = 3.27) PTEs and 9.72 ( SD  = 4.49) post-migration stressors. The average quality of life ranged between M  = 57.72 ( SD  = 16.46) for environmental quality of life to M  = 66.39 ( SD  = 20.71) for social quality of life. PTEs significantly reduced the reported physical ( b = -1.78, p  < .001), psychological ( b = -1.15, p  = .025), and social quality of life ( b = -1.98, p  < .001) of UYRs. However, these direct effects were mediated by post-migration stressors alone and in series with mental distress. Conclusions The quality of life of UYRs was not only associated with traumatic experiences but also with post-migration stressors and mental distress. Quality of life captures additional aspects of well-being and therefore, psychosocial care should not only address mental distress but also consider quality of life to achieve a sustainable improvement in the well-being of UYRs. Changes at the political-structural level, aiming to reduce post-migration stressors, could potentially improve the quality of life of UYRs. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00017453. Registered on December 11, 2019