A review of adolescent autobiographical memory and the implications for assessment of unaccompanied minors' refugee determinations.
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry
; 23(2): 209-222, 2018 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29260597
The number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) is increasing, and unlike those who arrive with their parents, UASC are subject to interview to determine refugee status. The limited amount of objective evidence available in most asylum claims means that the UASC's account of their experiences often becomes key in deciding whether or not the young person is granted protection. Research indicates that assumptions about human memory influence decision-makers' views on asylum seekers' accounts; however, these do not necessarily appear to fit with the published research on autobiographical memory and may lead to an unfair decision. Therefore, understanding the nature and limitations of autobiographical memory is key to a fair refugee determination process. A literature review of published research on autobiographical memory among adolescents was undertaken across four databases. In total, 45 papers were identified which were thematically organised into three areas: development of autobiographical memory, contextual influences and impact of psychopathology. From this review, conclusions are drawn about what can be reasonably expected of an adolescent's autobiographical memory generally and more specifically when the unique characteristics of UASC are taken into account. We also discusss how commonly used credibility indicators in refugee status determinations for minors are problematic in light of this research. It is important that the psychological evidence on the nature of autobiographical memory in adolescents is considered in asylum processing of UASC.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Refugiados
/
Menores
/
Memoria Episódica
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry
Año:
2018
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido