Submission Deadline: May 2019
Beneath the 65.3 million individuals who were forcibly displaced worldwide by the end of 2015 (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) the world migration report indicates that there are 244 million international migrants globally. Labor seeking is the major reason that people migrate internationally. Unfortunately, studies on the prevalence of mental disorders and a theory of psychosocial adaptation after immigration are lacking for the groups of migrant workers and also for refugees. Specialized therapies fitting the needs of this huge group are being developed in the last decade, but health-care services are not yet prepared to deliver adequate therapies for these new utilizers.
In 2015 and 2016 Europe has been witnessing the largest migration recorded in its recent history, political implications of which are still ongoing. Coming from regions of political conflict and war, refugees have often experienced violence and traumatic events. This defines them as a high-risk group for mental disorders. Not only is the pre-immigration process (flight, violent attacks, police encounters etc.) itself associated with challenging demands, but the post-migration psychosocial adaptation process in the host country can also have an influence on health status. To avoid further traumatization and to ensure mental health by providing them with treatment is an important obligation of the health-care system and will be the only way to secure social and political peace and stability during the next decades.
There are widespread concerns about disparities in mental health treatment for immigrant and ethnic minority groups. Therefore, ethical reflection should accompany all endeavors in this field to foster public debate leading to changes in policies and regulations.
In order to promote research activities in these fields, Journal of Psychosomatic Research will publish a special issue on flight and migration. Scientists are encouraged to submit qualified empirical papers from the areas outlined above.
Guest Editors:
Yesim Erim, University Hospital of Erlangen, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy. Email: yesim.erim(at)uk-erlangen.de
Julia Schellong, University of Dresden, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy. Email: Julia.Schellong(at)uniklinikum-dresden.nl
To submit, please prepare your manuscript following the author guidelines for Journal of Psychosomatic Research, which can be found here: https://www.elsevier.com/journals/journal-of-psychosomatic-research/0022-3999/guide-for-authors
You can contact the journal manager Gemma Upton (g.upton(at)elsevier.com) regarding journal requirement
