Risk and protective factors for psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD in unaccompanied minor migrants in Spain

Unaccompanied minor migrants represent a rapidly growing and vulnerable population in Southern Europe, yet no comprehensive quantitative data have examined the multiple factors shaping their mental health outcomes in Spain. This study aimed to identify risk and protective factors linked to the migration process that are associated with psychological distress (K10), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (CIDI), and PTSD (PCL-5) among unaccompanied minor migrants in Spain. We examined 230 male participants (M age = 16.79, SD = 0.45). Data were collected through face-to-face, culturally adapted structured interviews and analysed using multivariable Tobit and logistic regression models. The analysis encompassed a broad range of factors. Mean scores were 4.75 (3.60) for psychological distress, 1.92 (2.01) for anxiety, and 3.51 (2.70) for PTSD, while 21.3% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Risk factors included being from Gambia, Pakistan, or other countries (compared with Morocco), associated with higher anxiety; additionally, being from other countries was linked with higher psychological distress; childhood abuse and perceived discrimination both associated with higher psychological distress and anxiety; longer duration of residence in Spain linked to higher psychological distress, anxiety and depression. Protective factors included higher resilience linked to lower psychological distress; and having migration expectations met, which was related to lower anxiety and PTSD. Neglect experiences were associated with less anxiety. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of contextual stressors and protective mechanisms in guiding tailored interventions for unaccompanied minor migrants.