Experiences and significances of adolescents orphaned by homicide and forced disappearance

Abstract

This paper presents a narrative review of the empirical and conceptual production regarding adolescents and young people from Latin America who have been orphaned due to homicide, femicide or the forced disappearance of a parent. The objective is to describe the issues that emerge from this phenomenon. A total of 42 studies that used qualitative approaches were included in this literature review. The findings were systematized in seven thematic areas: 1) alterations, psychological impact and implications for mental health; 2) family secrets and silencing of the incident; 3) complicated grief and chronic suffering; 4) studies on the experiences of loss and the reconstruction of oneself and searching for their own identity; 5) restructuring of families and new roles; 6) individual vulnerability and stigmatization; and 7) violations of human rights. Direct research with adolescents and young people is limited, however when they are included in studies it benefits them and their families.