Psychological impact of expatriation experiences on child and adolescent mental health: a narrative synthesis

Maria A. Zakoula, Maria Gudbrandsen and Mark Kennedy

Journal of Global Mobility, 2025, vol. 13, issue 3, 486-504

Abstract: PurposeGlobalisation and the opening of cross-border work opportunities have led to an increase in individuals relocating from their native country to another for professional reasons, a phenomenon called “expatriation”. A wealth of research has focused on expatriation from an adult perspective, but there is also a growing inter-disciplinary literature on how expatriation is affecting the children of adult expatriates. The purpose of this paper is to synthesise the recent published literature on the psychological impact of expatriation on the mental health of these children and adolescent expatriates.Design/methodology/approachA narrative synthesis approach was adopted in order to synthesise evidence from 12 original, peer-reviewed papers with research relevant to the topic.FindingsFindings indicate a risk of affective disorders as a result of expatriation experiences, and lower emotional stability with increased stress, predominantly for adolescent expatriates. Some maladaptive behaviours, such as over-reliance on digital technologies, are also noted. Positive gains of expatriation centre around personality development domains, such as cognitive flexibility, open-mindedness and empathy.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research can delve further into the mental health of expatriate youths, to inform clinical practice and policy making, as well as help address diagnostic, treatment and prevention issues that this young, developing population may face.Originality/valueThis paper focuses solely on children and adolescent expatriates, that may be under-represented in the wider expatriate literature, and considers the psychological outcomes and the potential risks and benefits of expatriation on their mental health.

Keywords: Expatriates; Children; Adolescents; Third culture kids (TCK); Mental health; Stress; Affective disorders; Empathy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:jgmpps:jgm-07-2024-0071

DOI: 10.1108/JGM-07-2024-0071

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