A Meta-Analysis of Group Interventions for Trauma and Depression Among Immigrant and Refugee Children

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Abstract

Purpose: A meta-analysis of group interventions to reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and/or depression among refugee and immigrant children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic search was followed by independent reviews of each study for risk of bias. The meta-analysis pooled between- and within-condition effect sizes on PTSS and depression across studies using a random-effects model. Results: The search yielded 16 studies utilizing eight interventions involving 976 participants. For all studies, within conditions, there were good effects on PTSS (d = 0.66, 95% CI [0.86, 0.46]) and depression (d = 0.51, 95% CI [0.79, 0.23]) with substantial heterogeneity. For studies with control groups, the between-group effect sizes yielded a small effect on PTSS (d = 0.31, 95% CI [0.65, 0.03]) with no significant effect on depression. Conclusions: The interventions helped to reduce PTSS and depression. Most studies lacked rigorous designs and provided little information on group variables needed for replication.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What works to improve mental health of refugee children and adults?

There is very strong evidence that numerous interventions are effective in improving the mental health of child and adult refugees. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused interventions (TF), and psycho-education (PE) have been shown to improve symptoms related to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or general distress in refugee populations. Furthermore, cultural adaptations of these…

About this study

AGE: Children

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: Both

INTERVENTION DURATION: Various

INTERVENTION: Art therapy

INTERVENTION: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)

INTERVENTION: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

INTERVENTION: Group interventions

OUTCOME AREA: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Reduction

POPULATION: Refugees

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Strong

TYPE OF STUDY: Meta-analysis

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2022

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