Risk and protective factors

Many factors can influence the mental health of newcomer children and youth, which are referred to as risk and protective factors for mental disorder. Evidence shows that as the number of risk factors increases, the likelihood that children will develop mental health problems significantly increases (APA, 2010). For example, the process of immigration and resettlement can result in stressors that contribute to depressive episodes in vulnerable populations (Caring for Kids New to Canada, 2016).

Although immigrant and refugee children may encounter many risk factors potentially affecting their mental health, it is important to remember that many factors can also enhance their mental health. Newcomer children are incredibly resilient and many will not experience mental health problems. Some individual-level protective factors, such as coping strategies and cultural values and practices, are noted in the tabs below. Other factors that can protect or enhance mental health include the family stability generally found in immigrant families i.e., intact, cohesive families), safe neighbourhoods and a large surrounding community of the same ethnicity.