Self-reported stressors experienced by migrant youth in Canada

Background: First-generation migrant youth experience higher levels of stress than their Canadian-born counterparts but have lower mental health service utilization rates.Objective: The present study aims to report on the social context of migrant youth, focusing on their own experiences of post-migration stressors that impact their mental health.Methods: The study utilized Concept Mapping in which participants responded to the open-ended question "What are the mental health stressors that you face?". Youth participants then independently grouped responses made by all youth into concepts. Results: Participants grouped the statements into seven concepts, including stressors associated with family, isolation, communication, anxiety, overburdened, school difficulties and working with others.Conclusions: Post-migration stressors for migrant youth exist in a social context where they experience racism and discrimination. The stressors can intersect and accumulate, leading to the perceived necessity and associated pressure to meet others' expectations.