This review systematically synthesized existing literature on group protocols of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating a range of mental health difficulties in adults and children. We conducted database searches on PsychINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and Francine Shapiro Library up to May 2020, using PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they used at least one standardized outcome measure, if they present a quantitative data on the effect of group EMDR protocols on mental health difficulties and if they were published in English. Twenty‐two studies with 1739 participants were included. Thirteen studies examined EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (IGTP), four studies examined EMDR Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G‐TEP), four studies EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress and one study considered EMDR Group Protocol with Children. Of the 22 studies included, 12 were one‐arm trials and 10 were two‐arm trials. We assessed risk of bias using a revised Tool to Assess Risk of Bias in Randomized Trials (ROB 2) and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS‐I). Overall, the results suggested that Group EMDR protocols might be an effective tool in improving a wide range of mental health‐related outcomes including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. However, the included studies are limited to methodological challenges. The limitations and future directions are discussed.

There has been little research on domestic violence (DV) within ethnic minority communities in high-income countries. This study reports on the findings of a meta-ethnography that examined the barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors in South Asian women living in high-income countries who have experienced DV to inform practice, understand the limits of the evidence, and identify research gaps. Qualitative studies were identified which were available in English by electronic databases. After an initial search, 2,465 articles were reviewed by title and abstract and 135 articles were reviewed for full text. Thirty-five papers were included for this review and were synthesized using meta-ethnography. Key findings included barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors: (1) Socio-cultural norms to prohibit help-seeking behaviors, (2) Fear of negative consequences, (3) Negative aspects of immigration status, (4) Insufficient support from statutory, and voluntary agencies, (5) Safety strategies and facilitators for surviving. Although this review investigated the perceptions of two different populations (survivors and service providers) both groups had similar views about the barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors. It is crucial for the government and non-government organizations to understand the barriers for women who are DV survivors to seek help from their organizations and also from South Asian ethnicities. The awareness and understanding of these barriers and facilitators may help support the development of interventions to encourage effective help-seeking amongst South Asian women affected by DV. Suggestions for research, practice, and policies are discussed.

ObjectivesSelf‐harm rates and clinical presentations differ by ethnicity. South Asian women are at risk of self‐harm. Previous research suggested investigating individuals' experiences with self‐harm with qualitative studies in developing self‐harm prevention strategies. This research aims to explore self‐harm experiences among South Asians in the United Kingdom.DesignQualitative study.MethodsParticipants were recruited via third‐sector organizations and online platforms. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 South Asian individuals with a history of self‐harm living in the United Kingdom. The data were analysed based on a reflective thematic analysis approach.ResultsResults revealed four main themes: (1) reasons for self‐harm; (2) recovery journey; (3) culture and mental health; and (4) the transition to suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Reasons for self‐harm included negative life circumstances, social life difficulties, challenges faced during COVID‐19 and mental health problems. Participants described their recovery journey by acknowledging the role of professional help, self‐care, psychoeducation and personal growth, improving social relationships, and faith and spirituality. Cultural factors included generational differences and stigma. Culturally adapted psychological interventions were perceived as promising. The reported transition from self‐harm to suicidal behaviours was linked to experiencing major stressful life events and the use of severe methods of self‐harm.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that socio‐cultural factors impact mental health and recovery processes among South Asians. Mental health services should consider improving culturally sensitive clinical practices in responding to self‐harm among South Asian communities.