The impact of trauma and PTSD on social functioning in refugees and asylum seekers post-migration: systematic review

Refugees and asylum seekers often experience trauma, leading to high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the extent to which trauma and PTSD impacts social functioning, such as social relationships or engaging with community activities in new environments, remains unclear.

This systematic review aims to identify key areas of social functioning influenced by trauma and PTSD, with additional analyses stratified by trauma type.

A comprehensive search of five databases, grey literature sources, and reference lists was conducted in February 2025. Included papers explored the impact of trauma or PTSD on social functioning in adult displaced populations post-migration, within the last 30 years. Studies' risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance checklist. Data were extracted on associations between trauma, PTSD and social functioning outcomes.

Of the studies, encompassing 15 394 participants, 38 met the inclusion criteria. Our analysis indicated that trauma and PTSD have an impact on multiple domains of social functioning, including post-migration living difficulties, everyday functioning, acculturation and integration, social relationships, and employment and education. War-related trauma predominantly affected psychosocial functioning and integration, whereas interpersonal trauma had a greater impact on social relationships. While most findings indicated a negative influence of trauma and PTSD on these areas, some evidence suggested the potential for post-traumatic growth.

The findings underscore the challenges displaced groups face, alongside the possibility of post-traumatic growth. Future research should focus on identifying factors that facilitate positive adaptation, informing interventions to support social integration in these vulnerable groups.