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Feasibility of implementation of a parenting intervention with Karen refugees resettled from Burma.

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Abstract

Parents and children exposed to war and relocation have high rates of negative relational and mental health outcomes. This study tested the feasibility of implementing an adapted evidence-based parenting intervention for contexts of trauma and relocation stress. Eleven Karen refugee caregivers from Burma participated in the intervention. Participants and a focal child completed ethnographic interviews as well as structured assessments at baseline and follow-up. Caregivers reported changes in their teaching, directions, emotional regulation, discipline, and child compliance. Children reported changes in these areas and in positive parent involvement. Caregivers reported higher mental health distress immediately after the intervention, potentially due to increased awareness. Researchers made personalized referrals for counseling services as needed. Children reported a decrease in mental health symptoms.

Citation

  • Ballard, J., Wieling, E., & Forgatch, M. (2018). Feasibility of implementation of a parenting intervention with Karen refugees resettled from Burma. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 44(2), 220–234
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Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

How do family interventions impact functioning of newcomer household dynamics?

One strong source of evidence and several smaller moderate and suggestive studies show that interventions on intergenerational relationships can help decrease negative mental health symptoms and increase positive parenting practices. Multiple studies reported significant improvements in the overall mental health of both child and caregiver participants. Caregivers reported high levels of satisfaction with several different…

About this study

AGE: Multiple Age Groups

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: United States

INTERVENTION DURATION: 9 sessions

POPULATION: Refugees

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2018

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