A review of the published literature was conducted in order to investi
gate the effects of relocation on children and adolescents. The eviden
ce to date suggests that moving is a stressful life event which can im
pair a child's adjustment. The following factors were identified as me
diating the risk of impairment to a child's psychosocial and education
al adjustment following a move: negative parental attitude towards the
move, moving due to familial disruption; poor premove adjustment, num
ber of moves; distance of move; and multiple stressors. A need for wel
l-controlled prospective longitudinal designs exists.