Understanding culture, memory and trauma in asylum interviews: A mixed‐methods systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Asylum seekers often struggle to recall and report their experiences during asylum interviews. This may occur for several reasons, ranging from communication challenges in high-context cultures (relying more on indirect and context-oriented communication) and low-context cultures (relying more on direct and explicit communication) to the experience of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We aimed to (1) summarise the asylum seekers’ and refugees’ post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence rates with reference to different cultural backgrounds and (2) explore common observed issues regarding culture, memory and trauma in asylum interviews.

Methods

We followed the PRISMA statement and the Joanna Briggs Institute’s mixed-methods review guidance to search six databases for studies published between January 2000 and May 2025. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. By synthesising data from 42 studies involving 5990 individuals, separate meta-analysis and thematic synthesis were conducted to address related objectives.

Results

Meta-analysis found a pooled PTSD prevalence of 39.6%, with variation observed among different cultures and regions. Thematic synthesis identified two main themes related to (1) cultural norms and asylum narratives, and (2) trauma, memory, and disclosure. Cultural norms pertaining to gender, sexuality, shame, family honour, and even semantic expression were found to shape asylum seekers’ narratives during interviews, while trauma influenced both memory processes and the ability to disclose experiences during the asylum process.

Conclusion

The review highlights the importance of considering the impact of traumatic experiences on accounts provided in asylum interviews and the need for culturally and trauma-informed asylum procedures.