Migration and Mental Health: A Review of Students in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Migration for educational purposes has become a defining feature of global higher education systems, with several universities in the global north, including the United Kingdom (UK), accounting for millions of students who migrate across borders to pursue academic qualifications and broaden their opportunities. However, there is a rising concern among these students that they are at risk of mental health issues due to migration-related causes. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the literature on the mental health and well-being of international students in the United Kingdom. A literature search was conducted using eleven databases - APA Psyc Articles, ASSIA, APA, Psycinfo, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, British Nursing Index, AMED, Google Scholar, Web of Science - for articles published from 2010. A pre-determined set of eligibility criteria was used to screen articles, and eligible articles were quality appraised using the JBI critical appraisal check tool. Due to considerable heterogeneity, the data was narratively analysed, considering statistical significance and the text narratives. Four studies (N = 4) met the inclusion criteria. Five Major factors were found contributing to mental health outcomes in international students included cultural adjustment, language barriers, support, social networks and stigma. The study showed that international students in the UK experience mental health issues and poor well-being linked to migration. Thus, universities need to recognise the causes and make efforts to support international students better.