Involuntary immobility and well-being: a scoping review of existing literature and future research directions
Abstract Background Human migration has gained prominence in recent decades, paralleled by a surge in research attention predominantly centered on mobility, overshadowing the more prevalent phenomenon of immobility. However, a substantial proportion of individuals aspire to migrate, yet find themsel...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Globalization and Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-025-01116-5 |
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| author | Lise Vanden Hautte Charlotte Scheerens Ilse Ruyssen Sorana Toma |
| author_facet | Lise Vanden Hautte Charlotte Scheerens Ilse Ruyssen Sorana Toma |
| author_sort | Lise Vanden Hautte |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Human migration has gained prominence in recent decades, paralleled by a surge in research attention predominantly centered on mobility, overshadowing the more prevalent phenomenon of immobility. However, a substantial proportion of individuals aspire to migrate, yet find themselves bound by various constraints, far outnumbering those who realize their migration aspirations. The disparity between individuals’ migration aspirations and their actual ability to migrate highlights the limitations faced by many. This involuntary immobility is anticipated to have adverse effects on the well-being of a sizable population. Therefore, we aim to scope the existing literature to assess potential impact of involuntary immobility on individuals’ well-being and mental health. We hypothesize that involuntary immobility exerts a detrimental effect on well-being and mental health and posit that there is currently limited research in this area. This study aims to fill this research void, while also identifying avenues for future research and policy exploration. Methods A search of the Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases was conducted, resulting in 1,096 relevant hits. After applying inclusion criteria, 13 articles were deemed pertinent. A thematic analysis was applied to analyze the articles and synthesize the results. Results Findings demonstrate the adverse effect of involuntary immobility on an individual’s well-being, often described as distressing feelings like despair and hopelessness. Some articles report mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma, and acknowledge the contextual nuances that influence the perception of these experiences. Furthermore, several articles focus on the intersectionality of various vulnerable populations. All articles consistently emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of this topic providing suggestions for future research as well as policy recommendations. Conclusion This scoping review reveals a clear research gap in assessing the impact of involuntary immobility on well-being and calls for development of more targeted policies to support individuals affected by involuntary immobility. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-892cf06fb07e4f718042d6f187264fd0 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1744-8603 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Globalization and Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-892cf06fb07e4f718042d6f187264fd02025-08-20T02:05:39ZengBMCGlobalization and Health1744-86032025-06-0121111510.1186/s12992-025-01116-5Involuntary immobility and well-being: a scoping review of existing literature and future research directionsLise Vanden Hautte0Charlotte Scheerens1Ilse Ruyssen2Sorana Toma3Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent UniversityDepartment of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent UniversityUnited Nations University-CRISDepartment of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent UniversityAbstract Background Human migration has gained prominence in recent decades, paralleled by a surge in research attention predominantly centered on mobility, overshadowing the more prevalent phenomenon of immobility. However, a substantial proportion of individuals aspire to migrate, yet find themselves bound by various constraints, far outnumbering those who realize their migration aspirations. The disparity between individuals’ migration aspirations and their actual ability to migrate highlights the limitations faced by many. This involuntary immobility is anticipated to have adverse effects on the well-being of a sizable population. Therefore, we aim to scope the existing literature to assess potential impact of involuntary immobility on individuals’ well-being and mental health. We hypothesize that involuntary immobility exerts a detrimental effect on well-being and mental health and posit that there is currently limited research in this area. This study aims to fill this research void, while also identifying avenues for future research and policy exploration. Methods A search of the Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases was conducted, resulting in 1,096 relevant hits. After applying inclusion criteria, 13 articles were deemed pertinent. A thematic analysis was applied to analyze the articles and synthesize the results. Results Findings demonstrate the adverse effect of involuntary immobility on an individual’s well-being, often described as distressing feelings like despair and hopelessness. Some articles report mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma, and acknowledge the contextual nuances that influence the perception of these experiences. Furthermore, several articles focus on the intersectionality of various vulnerable populations. All articles consistently emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of this topic providing suggestions for future research as well as policy recommendations. Conclusion This scoping review reveals a clear research gap in assessing the impact of involuntary immobility on well-being and calls for development of more targeted policies to support individuals affected by involuntary immobility.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-025-01116-5Migration aspirationsInvoluntary immobilityWell-beingScoping review |
| spellingShingle | Lise Vanden Hautte Charlotte Scheerens Ilse Ruyssen Sorana Toma Involuntary immobility and well-being: a scoping review of existing literature and future research directions Globalization and Health Migration aspirations Involuntary immobility Well-being Scoping review |
| title | Involuntary immobility and well-being: a scoping review of existing literature and future research directions |
| title_full | Involuntary immobility and well-being: a scoping review of existing literature and future research directions |
| title_fullStr | Involuntary immobility and well-being: a scoping review of existing literature and future research directions |
| title_full_unstemmed | Involuntary immobility and well-being: a scoping review of existing literature and future research directions |
| title_short | Involuntary immobility and well-being: a scoping review of existing literature and future research directions |
| title_sort | involuntary immobility and well being a scoping review of existing literature and future research directions |
| topic | Migration aspirations Involuntary immobility Well-being Scoping review |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-025-01116-5 |
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