Abstract:Refugee families referred for therapy present a wide array of problems and expectations, not always in accordance with what therapy may offer. Major differences between referring professionals, families and therapists regarding problem definitions and solutions may complicate collaboration. Interventions that may overcome these barriers and move initial interviews into a therapeutic context are described. Three patterns regarding referral process, problem presentation and expectations (here called referral con… Show more
“…Much of the published material on clinical interventions includes descriptive reports, case studies, or small cohort studies without control groups [40–42]. For example, various holistic or family interventions have been used with refugee populations but are lacking empiric evaluation [28,43–49]. …”
Section: Empirical Literature On Treatment Of Refugee Youthmentioning
“…Much of the published material on clinical interventions includes descriptive reports, case studies, or small cohort studies without control groups [40–42]. For example, various holistic or family interventions have been used with refugee populations but are lacking empiric evaluation [28,43–49]. …”
Section: Empirical Literature On Treatment Of Refugee Youthmentioning
“…Because war brings with it a host of stressors—resulting from direct injury, exposure to loss, and even active involvement in perpetuating violence—the presentation of emotional, behavioral, and social consequences can be complex. 127 Treatments focused on single disorders may therefore have limited application; what is likely needed, instead, is a stepped-care model that entails treatment components for multiple types of psychological problems, 59,88,128 including acute psychiatric problems.…”
Background
Children and adolescents exposed to armed conflict are at high risk of developing mental health problems. To date, a range of psychosocial approaches and clinical/psychiatric interventions has been used to address mental health needs in these groups.
Aims
To provide an overview of peer-reviewed psychosocial and mental health interventions designed to address mental health needs of conflict-affected children, and to highlight areas in which policy and research need strengthening.
Methods
We used standard review methodology to identify interventions aimed at improving or treating mental health problems in conflict-affected youth. An ecological lens was used to organize studies according to the individual, family, peer/school, and community factors targeted by each intervention. Interventions were also evaluated for their orientation toward prevention, treatment, or maintenance, and for the strength of the scientific evidence of reported effects.
Results
Of 2305 studies returned from online searches of the literature and 21 sources identified through bibliography mining, 58 qualified for full review, with 40 peer-reviewed studies included in the final narrative synthesis. Overall, the peer-reviewed literature focused largely on school-based interventions. Very few family and community-based interventions have been empirically evaluated. Only two studies assessed multilevel or stepped-care packages.
Conclusions
The evidence base on effective and efficacious interventions for conflict-affected youth requires strengthening. Postconflict development agendas must be retooled to target the vulnerabilities characterizing conflict-affected youth, and these approaches must be collaborative across bodies responsible for the care of youth and families.
“…Families, and especially families that have lived apart for a long time and undergone severe hardships, should be provided with substantial assistance both emotionally and socially (Sveaass & Reichelt, 2001). • Initiatives to develop social support systems also outside of the family context should be systematically stimulated and implemented (Barudy, 1989).…”
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