Discriminatory spaces and psychological distress: the role of responses among unaccompanied minor migrants. A mixed-methods study

Introduction Unaccompanied minor migrants in Europe face heightened vulnerability, yet little is known about how discrimination unfolds in their daily lives, how they respond to these experiences, and the impact on psychological distress. The aims of this study are (1) to examine the everyday experiences of perceived discrimination among unaccompanied minor migrants and (2) to test whether responses to discrimination mediate the association between perceived discrimination and psychological distress in this population. Methods This mixed-methods study analyzed baseline data from 226 boys aged 15–17 in Spain. Quantitative measures included perceived discrimination (EDS), psychological distress (K10), and ad hoc items on discrimination-related variables. Qualitative data were collected through two open-ended questions about their discriminatory experiences and interactions with police or security agents. Results Qualitative and quantitative results converged in showing that discrimination was nearly universal across multiple settings, particularly public spaces (94.2%), transport (87.6%), and retail stores (70.8%). It was enacted by authorities, private security personnel, and the general public through control, surveillance, and social exclusion. Across both data sources, adolescents primarily attributed discrimination to race/ethnicity and migrant origin, and more than half described these experiences as unfair or exclusionary. Psychological impacts identified in participants’ accounts included emotional responses, feelings of inferiority, and effects on self-image and identity. Minors also described a range of responses such as being more self-reliant and exhibiting anticipatory vigilance. Mediation analyses showed that responses to discrimination significantly mediated the association between perceived discrimination and psychological distress (estimate = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.02–0.16, p = 0.038). When examined separately, only anticipatory vigilance showed a significant indirect effect. Discussion Findings highlight that unaccompanied minor migrants experience discrimination as a recurrent form of surveillance, control, and exclusion in everyday public spaces. Within these environments, responses to discrimination, particularly anticipatory vigilance, may contribute to psychological distress. Interventions should address structurally embedded discrimination and both the psychological consequences and processes associated with these experiences.