Authors#
- Ling Ling Tai, ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal
- Rita Guerra, ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal
- Kinga Bierwiaczonek, Leibniz Institute for Psychology, Germany
Abstract#
The global population of forcibly displaced surpassed 120 million end of 2024, a figure that shows no sign of declining. Forced migration is marked with loss and trauma, followed by the challenges of navigating unfamiliar cultures and environments. Adaptation requires learning strange behaviours and mindsets, often without adequate support or guidance.
This systematic review examines adaptation experiences of asylum-seekers and refugees in their resettlement or transit countries. We included 199 studies that involved participants from 24 origin countries, now residing in 35 countries, with a total sample size of 131,928. Of the 226 adaptation measures recorded, 95% addressed psychological adaptation, with 71% focusing on negative outcomes. Only 11 (5%) studies addressed sociocultural adaptation.
Our meta-analysis revealed high heterogeneity in psychological adaptation outcomes (Q = 3128.39, p < .0001), indicating wide variability in experiences across studies. In contrast, sociocultural adaptation studies were limited (k = 6, N = 2018).
These findings highlight an overemphasis on psychological adaptation, particularly its negative aspects, and the inadequate attention to sociocultural adaptation. The high heterogeneity observed further underscores the diverse challenges and factors that influence asylum-seekers and refugees’ adaptation. This imbalance raises concerns that current research, policies, and programs may not fully capture or address the complex realities of forced migration and resettlement.
This presentation took place at the:
- Joint IAIR & IACCP Conference, on the 28 June 2025, at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- XX PhD Meeting In Psychology, on the 23 May 2025, at Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal.
- 83rd Annual Conference of the International Council of Psychologists (ICP 2025) Human Rights, Justice, and Dignity: Social Inclusion & Migration, on the 5th of April 2025, at the Erasmus University College, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.