Unaccompanied minors’ (UMs) mental health and perceptions about psychologists and psychotherapeutic care in Savoie (France): A questionnaire study

Abstract

Background

Unaccompanied minors (UMs) are a population at risk for mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet, engagement with mental health services remains limited, with low utilization, missed appointments, and high drop-out rates, posing challenges to effective care.

Purpose

This study aimed to examine unaccompanied minors’ (UMs) mental health, their help-seeking behaviors, and their perceptions of and satisfaction with psychotherapeutic care, while exploring the links between PTSD symptoms and emotion regulation in a French department (Savoie).

Method

A total of 64 UMs who met a psychologist at least once completed self-reported questionnaires: help-seeking behaviors and therapeutic care, post-traumatic symptoms (IES-R), and difficulties in emotion regulation (DERS-F).

Results

Thirty-four percent of UMs exhibited probable PTSD. Greater PTSD intensity correlates with fewer adaptive emotion regulation strategies and lower emotional acceptance. After arriving in France, UMs significantly increased their reliance on formal medical services and mental health professionals (MHPs), while decreasing family communication and traditional medicine use. Despite few consultations, UMS reported high satisfaction with therapeutic care and the therapeutic relationship, suggesting trust in this new healthcare system.

Conclusion

Future research should explore the benefits of emotion regulation interventions for UMs’ mental health. Child welfare services (CWS) should prioritize strategies to improve therapy engagement and ensure sufficient MHP sessions, acknowledging cultural factors influencing their help-seeking behaviors.

Plain Language Summary

Unaccompanied minors (UMs) often face significant mental health challenges, including trauma-related stress. However, connecting them with mental health support is difficult, with many not getting care, missing appointments, or stopping therapy early, posing a challenge for effective support. This study aimed to understand the mental health of UMs in a French region (Savoie), how they seek help, and their experiences with and satisfaction from therapy, while exploring the link between their trauma symptoms and how they manage their emotions. We surveyed 64 UMs who had seen a psychologist at least once, asking them questions about their help-seeking experiences, well-being, and how they handle difficult emotions. Our findings showed that about a third (34%) of UMs exhibited signs of severe trauma. We also found that those with more intense trauma symptoms had greater difficulty managing their emotions and accepting tough feelings. After arriving in France, UMs significantly increased their use of doctors and mental health services. At the same time, they communicated less with family back home and used less traditional medicine. Despite having only a few therapy sessions, UMs reported high satisfaction with their care and their relationship with therapists, suggesting they can build trust in this new system. Looking ahead, future studies should investigate therapies that specifically help UMs manage their emotions and reduce trauma symptoms. Support services for children should focus on practical ways to encourage UMs to stay in therapy and receive enough sessions, while always considering their background and usual ways of seeking help.

Keywords

Unaccompanied minors adaptive strategies emotion regulation help-seeking behaviors therapeutic care psychologists

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