El continuum de violencia en Centroamérica, México y EEUU y la salud mental de adolescentes migrantes no acompañados: estudio exploratorio en las ciudades de México y San Francisco

The irregular migration of unaccompanied girls, boys, and adolescents from Central America, Mexico, and the United States has increased over the past decade. These individuals face a continuum of violence at the origin, path, and destination of their trajectories that affects their mental health and well-being. This study investigates the violence suffered by these unaccompanied girls, boys, and adolescents in their communities of origin, migratory journey, and final destination, exploring the associated mental health problems and implemented coping strategies. This binational qualitative study was carried out (June 2022-June 2023) with semi-structured interviews with 20 unaccompanied girls, boys, and adolescents from Central America and 14 key informants in Mexico and the United States of America. Unaccompanied girls, boys, and adolescents described multiple forms of violence in their place of origin, during the path, and final destination. These experiences generated emotional, cognitive, and behavioral consequences consistent with migratory stress, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and difficulties in adapting. However, adolescents used coping strategies such as migrating to escape violence, denouncing perpetrators, consolidating support networks with peers and civil society organizations, continuing their studies, and starting family life again at their destination. The findings show the exposure of unaccompanied girls, boys, and adolescents to a continuum of structural and daily violence that affects their mental health and challenges government support. However, they also show their capacity for resilience and action. A comprehensive public policy approach is needed that acknowledges these experiences, guarantees mental health care, and ensures the best interest of these young migrants.