Implementing Psychosocial Support Groups in U.S. Refugee Resettlement

Abstract

As refugee resettlement to a new country can involve uncertainty and stress, recently resettled refugees in the U.S. may benefit from psychosocial support groups. This pilot project assesses two group intervention approaches provided by resettlement agencies in three U.S. states. The purpose of the project was to assess participant feedback on group benefits and limitations, to evaluate the feasibility of group implementation across resettlement agency sites, and to assess group effects on participant psychosocial outcomes (emotional distress, quality of life, social support, self-efficacy, and resilience). Ninety-seven refugees from multiple countries of origin participated in one of twelve psychosocial support groups. Eight groups received a community adjustment support group curricula and four groups received culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy. Within focus groups, participants described the value of group participation in building understanding, skills, and social connections. Group facilitators reported satisfactory adherence levels. Analyses of Cohen’s d effect size, bivariate, and multivariate findings indicate improvements on some outcomes subsequent to group participation, as well as some differences in outcomes by group modality. Such programs may provide a beneficial component of U.S. resettlement services. Additional research and support for psychosocial group interventions among refugee communities is needed.

Keywords:

• Psychosocial support
• group intervention
• refugee resettlement
• migration
• mental health

Acknowledgements

We appreciate the contributions of Jordan Enger, Jennica Galloway Henderson, Mireille Bakhos, Gabriel Martinez, Sabir Yousafzai, Heather Middleton, Pamela Silberman, and Graeme Rodgers. We also appreciate the time and feedback of each project participant.

Disclosure statement

There are no relevant financial or non-financial competing interests to report.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by LDS Humanitarian Services with grants to three resettlement agency offices.

Notes on contributors

Stacey A. Shaw

Stacey A. Shaw, MSW, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Brigham Young University.

Patrick Poulin

Patrick Poulin, LCSW is Regional Director of Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration at the International Rescue Committee.

Kirra Crump

Stacey A. Shaw, MSW, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Brigham Young University.

Kirra Crump, is a MSW student at Brigham Young University.