[The continuum of violence in Central America, Mexico, and the United States and the mental health of unaccompanied migrant adolescents: an exploratory study of Mexico municipalities and San Francisco].

Unaccompanied migrant adolescents from Central America reported multiple forms of violence across all three stages of their migration trajectory: origin, transit, and destination.

• The study used a binational qualitative design with semi-structured interviews conducted between June 2022 and June 2023.
• 20 unaccompanied girls, boys, and adolescents of Central American origin were interviewed.
• 14 key informants in Mexico and the United States were also interviewed.
• Violence was described as part of a 'continuum' spanning community of origin, migratory journey, and final destination.

Exposure to violence across the migration trajectory generated emotional, cognitive, and behavioral consequences consistent with migratory stress, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and adaptation difficulties.

• Mental health consequences reported included anxiety, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and difficulties in adapting.
• These consequences were described as consistent with 'migratory stress.'
• Findings were derived from qualitative semi-structured interviews with 20 unaccompanied adolescents.
• Both emotional and cognitive and behavioral domains were affected.

Unaccompanied migrant adolescents employed multiple coping strategies in response to violence and migratory stress.

• Coping strategies included migrating specifically to escape violence.
• Adolescents reported denouncing perpetrators as a form of agency.
• Strategies also included consolidating support networks with peers and civil society organizations.
• Additional strategies included continuing their studies and restarting family life at their destination.

Government support was challenged by the extent and nature of violence faced by unaccompanied migrant adolescents.

• The findings show exposure to a 'continuum of structural and daily violence that affects their mental health and challenges government support.'
• The study identified a need for a 'comprehensive public policy approach' to address these experiences.
• Policy recommendations included guaranteeing mental health care and ensuring the best interest of young migrants.
• Key informants in both Mexico and the United States contributed perspectives on governmental and institutional responses.

The study was an exploratory binational qualitative investigation using semi-structured interviews conducted across Mexico municipalities and San Francisco.

• The study period was June 2022 to June 2023.
• A total of 34 participants were included: 20 unaccompanied adolescents and 14 key informants.
• The design was explicitly described as 'exploratory.'
• Fieldwork spanned sites in both Mexico and the United States (San Francisco).