A look at the mental health of family members with missing loved ones: scoping review.

Abstract

The aim of the research was to analyze the scientific literature on the mental health of people who have missing family members. This was a scoping review study, in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA-ScR. The following digital libraries were used: Virtual Health Library and National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and the databases: SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web of Science and APA PsycNet. 10 studies were selected and two thematic axes: "The damage to the mental health of family members who have missing loved ones" and "The strategies used and support found to cope with the disappearance". The first axis discusses how the emotional and psychological suffering of family members of missing loved ones is evident in all the studies mentioned, being strongly related to the Ambiguous Loss Theory and the occurrence of mental disorders. The second axis points out strategies to combat the phenomenon of disappearance, such as religion, the presence of family ties, the continuity of migratory projects and the organization of programs and interventions aimed at this public. The review highlights that the suffering experienced by family members of missing loved ones can be profound, complex and diverse, with repercussions on the mental health.