Les médiations thérapeutiques et art-thérapies dans la prise en charge des mineurs non accompagnés (MNA) : Une évidence ?

Context

In a complex global political and social context, France takes in migrants including unaccompanied minors, mainly from West Africa and Asia. The adversity they have had to face can lead to psychological distress which has an impact on their well-being and quality of life.

Objective

The aim of this article is to provide a synopsis of the psychopathological and socio-cultural difficulties that these children and adolescents may present when they arrive in France. This study focuses on indications and applications of therapeutic/art therapeutic mediations (more specifically theatre) offered to migrant populations.

Method

A literature review was carried out on the psychological support offered in an intercultural context to migrant children and adults. Searches were conducted on bibliographic databases (EBSCP, PubMed and Google Scholar) in addition to grey literature and field practices, to identify the therapeutic mediation/art therapy used. A clinical example is also presented based on clinical practices in an institution.

Results

The effects in migrant populations are recognized by the scientific community, helping to reduce symptoms of adaptive stress due to acculturation and/or post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression, to increase existential satisfaction and the development of hope, to reduce behavioral difficulties such as hyperactivity, and to play a role in the development of emotional and social skills, self-esteem and resilience. However, few studies have focused specifically on Unaccompanied Minors, even though they present real needs. A clinical focus was placed on the relevance of dramatherapy (therapeutic mediation through theatre), with the development of a standardised and reproducible programme. However, given the extent of their needs and the effectiveness of such therapeutic options, it is very surprising that few studies have focused specifically on unaccompanied minors.

Conclusion

In view of the effectiveness of mediation and art therapy with migrant populations, it seems appropriate and necessary to offer psychological care of this type to unaccompanied minors. Given the increasing numbers of these young people arriving in France, we aim to point out the importance to design and test intervention programs using mixed research methods to assess their clinical impact and to carry out additional standardisation work with recommendations for good practice and training for practitioners.