[Poverty, migration and mental health]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Poverty and social exclusion are linked to deteriorating mental health.
• In 2018, 19% of Germans faced poverty and social ostracization.
• Migrant groups often experience heightened poverty and multiple socioeconomic stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss the relationship between mental health, poverty, and related social constructs.
• To examine these relationships in general populations and specific risk groups like migrants and refugees.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and discussion.
• Analysis of existing studies on mental health, poverty, social cohesion, social capital, and social exclusion.

Main Results:

• Societal exclusion, precarious living conditions, and residential environment negatively impact mental health.
• These factors affect mental health beyond pre-migration risk factors.
• Migrant and refugee populations face compounded risks due to migration-related and post-migration social factors.

Conclusions:

• A strong association exists between poverty, social exclusion, and adverse mental health outcomes.
• Contextual factors (migration, living conditions, social environment) significantly influence mental health in vulnerable populations.
• Further research and targeted interventions are needed for at-risk groups, especially migrants and refugees.