A systematic scoping review of interventions delivered by peers tosupport the resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic search of the literature as it pertains to interventions delivered by peers to refugees and asylum seekers during the resettlement process. Design/methodology/approach A preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis-compliant scoping review based on Arskey and O’Malley’s (2006) five steps was used. Four databases, Scopus, Embase, Ebsco and ScienceDirect, were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English from 2000 to 2021. Studies were included if they reported on interventions, outcomes or the training received by adult peers to support refugees and asylum seekers during the resettlement process. Of an initial 632 journal articles retrieved, 14 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Findings Most included studies were conducted in Western high-income countries, with the exception of one. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of the nationalities of peers and those receiving peer interventions, the outcomes reported on, the content of interventions and the methodologies used. Findings suggest that peer interventions seem to be effective in addressing many of the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers. Community integration, acculturation and reductions in psychological distress are some of the key benefits. When such interventions are co-produced in participatory research involving refugees, asylum seekers and the civil society organisations that support this population, they are naturally culturally responsive and can, therefore, address issues relative to different ethnic needs during the resettlement process. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first scoping review to be conducted in this area and adds to what is a very limited body of research.

Implementing Trauma Informed Care in Human Services: An Ecological Scoping Review

“…While meta-analyses provide evidence of peer support across mental health and substance use [ 78 , 79 , 80 ] there is a paucity of research in the extant literature as it relates to peer support from a trauma perspective specifically. Although two papers do provide initial insights into the role peers can play in supporting people with trauma [ 81 , 82 ] much more research needs to be done in this arena, if peer support is to be included in organizational responses as part of TIC.…”

Representing the experiences of charity peer leaders facilitating well-being interventions to their peers using a constructivist grounded theory methodology

“…Successful peer leadership for those with mental health issues has a good evidence base of supporting well-being (Hardy et al , 2019). For example, Mahon (2022) in his systematic scoping review found that interventions for refugees facilitated by refugee peer leaders reduced psychological distress, and Stewart et al (2018) noted peer support reduced loneliness and isolation and improved the ability to cope. In addition, Huang et al (2020) reviewed ten randomised control trials and found that peer support was helpful in reducing depression in mothers during the perinatal time.…”