A meta-analysis of school-based interventions for student refugees, migrants, and immigrants

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Abstract

How do mental health practitioners and educators support child migrants, child immigrants, child refugees, and their families? This article examines the scope of current interventions for these populations. A meta-analysis of interventions used in schools over the last two decades is discussed to provide an overview of the current evidence base in this area worldwide. Recommendations are made to facilitate the application of these interventions to support child-migrants, child-immigrants, and child-refugees in the schools, and their families.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What works to improve mental health of refugee children and adults?

There is very strong evidence that numerous interventions are effective in improving the mental health of child and adult refugees. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused interventions (TF), and psycho-education (PE) have been shown to improve symptoms related to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or general distress in refugee populations. Furthermore, cultural adaptations of these…

About this study

AGE: Children

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: Both

INTERVENTION DURATION: Various

INTERVENTION: School-based group intervention

OUTCOME AREA: Depression Reduction

POPULATION: Refugees

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Strong

TYPE OF STUDY: Meta-analysis

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2021

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