Mental Health of Migrants in Transit Through Mexico to the U.S.: A Formative Study for CBSM Interventions in Shelters

Background The living conditions and challenges experienced by migrants in transit contribute significantly to their mental health issues. There is a pressing need for preventive measures to address the stress and mitigate the effects of loss and trauma within this vulnerable population. Focus of the Article The article centers around utilizing the Social Cognitive Theory as a framework to comprehensively understand the factors influencing the mental health of migrants in transit for a community-based social marketing intervention in shelters. Research Question (RQ1) What is the role of personal factors, and immediate environment in the mental health and emotional well-being of migrants in transit through Mexico? (RQ2) What is the role of the wider social context and psychosocial stressors on the mental health of migrants in transit through Mexico? (RQ3) What are the behavioral consequences resulting from the effects of the wider social context, and psychosocial stressors faced by migrants in transit through Mexico?. Importance to the Social Marketing Field This article contributes to the advancement of targeted strategies that can improve the mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population by furthering the understanding of the complexities of the mental health challenges faced by migrants in transit and addressing the migrants’ complex mental health needs in shelters. Methods By employing qualitative data gathered through in-depth interviews ( n = 41) with key informants in both Mexico and the U.S., the study aimed to capture a binational perspective. Results According to social cognitive theory, 4 main themes were identified that facilitate the understanding of factors affecting the health and well-being of migrants in transit. These include factors pertaining to social context (i.e., racism, abuse); psychosocial stressors (i.e., trauma, inability to meet basic needs), personal factors (e.g., uncertainty, resilience); and behavioral consequences (e.g., states of being such as insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, persecutory paranoia, depression and suicide). Findings also revealed that migrants prioritize physical health for survival while neglecting their mental health needs. Compounded by the prevalent mental health stigma in this migrant community and limited information about mental health, migrants are deterred from seeking help when needed, underestimating the situation. Recommendations for Research or Practice A multifactorial approach is needed in the development of community-based social marketing interventions to address the migrants’ well-being and mental health in shelters. This type of intervention is essential to address the stigma attached to mental health issues by focusing on the immediate environment and engaging shelters as well as family and peers to raise awareness of pre-migration dangers. The intervention would also promote enriched information for survival and foster community building and networking among migrants through shelters across Mexico while providing crucial mental health support. Limitations Findings might not be universally applicable, as they may be limited to the specific context of migrants in transit through Mexico. Conditions for migrants in transit in other parts of the world could differ.