Psychology of forced displacement and migration: A systematic review of the scientific literature

Abstract

Forced displacement is a research field in specific social and cultural contexts. This systematic review aims to identify, describe and analyze the research in Psychology of Forced Displacement and Migration published between 2006 and 2016. The databases selected were PsycINFO, Lilacs and SciELO following the criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, 2009. Content and methodology were assessed by Critical Appraisal Skill Programme. A total of 34 out of 491 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were categorized in a framework that summarizes the main research questions and methodologies, including authors, research questions, units of analysis, dominant theories, and hypotheses. In conclusion, the framework helped to comprehend the general aspects of the existing research and pointed out interdisciplinary tendencies in the studies on this phenomenon.