• Posts

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.
Access Full Text

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

More STUDIES

A Systematic Review on the Impact of Trauma-Informed Education Programs on Academic and Academic-Related Functioning for Students Who Have Experienced Childhood Adversity

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature regarding trauma-informed education programs and their impact on academic and academic-related outcomes. The articles included for review (n=15) contained data on trauma-informed education programs implemented in preschool, primary/elementary, and high school settings. Academic and academic-related outcomes reported included attendance, disciplinary…

Buffering the effects of childhood trauma within the school setting: A systematic review of trauma-informed and trauma-responsive interventions among trauma-affected youth

Exposure to trauma during childhood is highly prevalent. This review seeks to evaluate the current state of the literature in regard to trauma-informed care within the school setting. A number of models have been put forth to describe broad trauma-informed approaches integrated within school systems, which incorporate trauma sensitive care and practices within the broader…

A Scoping Review of School-Based Efforts to Support Students Who Have Experienced Trauma

The current review sought to describe the published literature relative to addressing trauma in schools. Through a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications as well as gray literature, we identified a total of 91 publications that were coded for study rigor as well as a number of intervention characteristics. Publications included in the review mentioned a…