A Systematic Review of Psychological Group Interventions for Adults with Refugee Backgrounds in Resettlement Countries: Development of a Stepped Care Approach to Mental Health Treatment

Abstract

The number of refugees globally has increased and due to exposure to trauma and postmigration stressors, many are in need of appropriate mental health care. Objective: While previous systematic reviews have focused on individual interventions for refugees, the current study aims to contribute to the literature by systematically reviewing the effectiveness of group and community-based interventions, to provide insight into ways current treatments can be scaled and integrated into stepped-care interventions. Method: A systematic review was conducted. In November 2020, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Embase and CINAHL were systematically searched and findings were analysed using narrative thematic analysis. Results: Four key themes were identified in the literature including: a) the benefits and challenges of group-based interventions b) effectiveness of group-based interventions and c) how to implement group-based treatments effectively when working with refugees. Conclusion: In general, while groups were not typically seen as a replacement for individual therapy, the included studies suggested the complementary value of group modalities, as well as their effectiveness as an early access intervention. Ultimately, the existing body of research concerning group interventions indicates that treatments delivered in a group format have utility and scalability and should be considered for integration into stepped models of care for people with refugee backgrounds.