Risk and Rescue: Psychometric Tools for Trauma-Related in Refugees in Europe (2014–2024)

Anna Jaeger; Ryan Govender; Sandra Figueiredo

doi:10.56508/mhgcj.v9i1.340

Authors

Anna Jaeger Osnabrueck University, Osnabrueck, Germany https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4178-0958
Ryan Govender Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa Luís de Camões https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4942-2128
Sandra Figueiredo Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5152-4467

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56508/mhgcj.v9i1.340

Keywords:

Refugees, PTSD, Assessment Tools, Systematic Review, mental health

Abstract

Introduction: Refugees in Europe face significant psychological burdens resulting from trauma, displacement, and post-migration stressors. This review examines the tools used to assess PTSD and related mental health conditions, highlighting the lack of standardization and the need for culturally sensitive approaches.

Purpose: This systematic review examined psychometric instruments used to assess mental health among adult refugees in Europe, focusing on trauma-related disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methodology: Peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024 were retrieved from major databases (APA PsycInfo, PsycArticles, MEDLINE, among others) following PRISMA guidelines. Forty-six studies met inclusion criteria. Data extraction included assessed domains, instruments, and sample characteristics, and methodological quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist.

Results: Germany was the most frequent host country, followed by Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. A total of 99 instruments were identified, with the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ), Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25), and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) most commonly applied. PTSD (n=32), depression (n=30), and anxiety (n=19) were the predominant disorders assessed. Considerable variability in tool selection, limited cultural and linguistic adaptation, and frequent reliance on self-report measures were observed. Instruments addressing post-migration stressors (e.g., RPMS, PMLD) and resilience factors provided broader clinical insights.

Conclusions: No standardized European approach exists for refugee mental health assessment. A multifaceted strategy integrating validated tools, clinician-administered interviews, and culturally adapted measures is recommended. Future research should develop context-sensitive, multidimensional, and potentially digital assessment models to enhance diagnostic accuracy and care accessibility

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