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A scoping review of social support interventions with refugees in resettlement contexts: Implications for practice an applied research

Abstract

Profound consequences of forced migration include the destruction of social networks and loss of social support. This scoping review examined the landscape of interventions that promote social support among refugees in resettlement contexts. Findings from the analysis revealed the extent to which social support intervention research is a relatively nascent area of practice and research. The analysis also revealed creative innovations in intervention design and research. These innovations serve as a springboard for envisioning a new generation of programs and scholarship that acknowledge and substantively address needs for social connections among refugees in resettlement.

Citation

  • Wachter, K., Dalpe, J., Bonz, A., Drozdowski, H., & Hermer, J. (2021). A scoping review of social support interventions with refugees in resettlement contexts: Implications for practice and applied research. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, 19(4), 557–572.
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Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What is the impact of peer support groups on refugees’ mental health?

Multiple sources of strong evidence indicates that peer support groups can improve newcomer mental health symptoms. Three systematic reviews, as well as four additional studies, demonstrate positive outcomes from peer support groups in various newcomer populations. Such groups appear to provide a unique benefit to both participants and newcomer leaders in enhancing social connections, expanding…

About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

INTERVENTION DURATION: Various

POPULATION: Refugees

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Strong

TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review

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