Trauma Without Borders: The Necessity for School-Based Interventions in Treating Unaccompanied Refugee Minors

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Abstract

This article explores migration trauma among Mexican and Central American unaccompanied refugee minors (URM) with the purpose of developing an understanding of migration as a tripartite process consisting of: pre-migration exposure to traumatic stressors, in-journey stressors, and post-migration stressors. The migration experience of these youth may be subjectively different depending on a wide range of factors. The complexities of migration are explored as a traumatic, tripartite process. These three salient components of migration may act as precursors, often resulting in psychological sequelae such as: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Of all migrant groups, URM are more likely to develop psychiatric symptoms. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), and Mental Health for Immigrants Program (MHIP) are among the most effective interventions in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in refugee minors. Social workers in schools are in unique positions to provide mental health services to URM. A case example illustrating a cultural adaptation of TF-CBT in an urban public high school is included. Clinical implications of culturally responsive and trauma-informed treatment of URM in schools will be discussed. Additionally, this article will emphasize the importance of bridging the gap between research and culturally responsive, trauma-informed interventions for URM in schools.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What Strategies Support the Mental Health of Unaccompanied Refugee Minors?

There is strong evidence that therapeutic strategies grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reduce mental health symptoms among unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs). ▪ Three systematic reviews, three scoping reviews, and five suggestive studies highlight the reduction of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related symptoms and other forms of mental health distress when interventions are grounded […]

About this study

AGE: Adolescents and/or Youth

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Inconclusive or mixed impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

GENDER: Female

HOST COUNTRY: United States

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

INTERVENTION DURATION: Varies

INTERVENTION: Culturally Responsive modiciations to school-based interventions (such as CBT, TF-CBT, CBITS, and MHIP_

OUTCOME AREA: Mental Health

POPULATION: Unaccompanied Minors

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): South America

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2018

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