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The effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on psychological distress in refugee children: A systematic review (Journal of Clinical Psychology)

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Home / Resources / The effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on psychological distress in refugee children: A systematic review (Journal of Clinical Psychology)

The effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on psychological distress in refugee children: A systematic review

A review of the literature of psychological interventions for symptoms of distress in refugee children.


Article Abstract

“Objective: To systematically review existing research exploring the effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing symptoms of distress amongst refugee and asylum-seeker children.

Method: Six databases were searched to identify English studies presenting original empirical quantitative data (published before September 2022) testing the efficacy of psychological interventions for children from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. Quality of studies were assessed through the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies as well as the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Relevant data were extracted to facilitate a narrative synthesis.

Results: Seventy-one eligible articles were identified (n > 10,000). A number of cognitive-behavioral, psychosocial, and trauma-focused interventions that catered specifically to children and their families were identified. A synthesis of these results suggest that interventions may assist in the reduction of various psychopathologies, although the effects were mixed across intervention types.

Conclusions: While the review yielded promising findings, most findings were derived from small pilot and empirical studies, leading to difficulties with drawing conclusions. There remains a need for studies using more rigorous research methodologies to expand and ratify this valuable knowledge base. Clinical significance: Forced displacement is at an all-time high. Many children are being forced to seek asylum and refuge, and they become vulnerable to the development of poor mental health, with limited understanding surrounding how to appropriately intervene. This review aims to equip clinicians with increased knowledge and confidence in working therapeutically alongside clients from refugee or asylum-seeking background, with the goal of fostering positive mental health and wellbeing.”

—Description from publisher

 

Article Access

Open Access 

Cowling, M. M., & Anderson, J. R. (2023). The effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on psychological distress in refugee children: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(8), 1857-1874. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23479

 

View the Resource
Basic Info Collapse

Date
January 23, 2023

Creator(s)
Misha M. Cowling, Joel R. Anderson

Client Population
Children, Immigrants/Refugees

More Info Collapse

Extent
17 pages

Publisher
Wiley Periodicals LLC

Rights
© 2023 The Authors

APA Citation
Cowling, M. M., & Anderson, J. R. (2023). The effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on psychological distress in refugee children: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 79(8), 1857-1874. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23479  

Audience
EMDR Therapists

Language
English

Content Type
Article, Meta-analyses/Systematic Reviews, Peer-Reviewed

Access Type
External Resource, Open Access

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