Journal

The Grief of Relatives of Missing Migrants and Supportive Interventions: A Narrative Review

Clinical Nursing Research, pp. 1-7, DOI: 10.1177/1054773821995937
Author
Galina Klochok, Carmen Herrera-Espiñeira
Publication Year
2021
Region
Global
Thematic Area
Families
Topic
Right to Know/Truth / Psychosocial Support / Mental Health / Family Needs

This review aims to determine the impact of the disappearance of migrants on their family members, to identify their grief management needs, and to describe interventions carried out to date, exploring reports on the grief of relatives of people who disappear in any context. A search of the literature retrieved 24 publications. It was found that the disappearance produced an impact at individual, family, and community level. The primary requisite of relatives was knowledge of the location of their loved one, besides the need for emotional, social, and economic support and recognition of their suffering. There have been few reports of family support interventions, although recommendations have been proposed for their design and implementation. The relatives of migrants are especially vulnerable due to geographic, political, and legal obstacles. The impact of the disappearance and the need for support were found to be highly varied. Further research and interventions on this issue are required.