The relationship between housing and asylum seekers’ mental health: A systematic review

Abstract

Housing is a post-migration risk factor that impacts asylum seekers' health; however, the way in which housing impacts asylum seekers' mental health has not been systematically examined. This systematic literature review identified 21 studies and analysed the data using narrative synthesis. The review found that poor living conditions adversely impact asylum seekers' mental health with some types of housing being more detrimental for mental health than others. Collective housing and detention were identified as particularly harmful for mental health, with detention being highlighted as the worst type of housing associated with the highest levels of self-harm. Private housing and community housing were identified as better alternatives that could improve mental health. Three themes explained why housing impacts asylum seekers’ mental health: lack of autonomy, feeling unsafe, and lack of support. Policy implications include the need to safely house all asylum seekers, particularly the most vulnerable asylum seekers. Collective housing and detention should be avoided, as these types of housing harm mental health. Clinical interventions should go beyond psychiatric treatment and target psychosocial wellbeing, addressing issues of social isolation and supporting asylum seekers to manage psychosocial difficulties, including housing problems.