Dealing with difference: a scoping review of psychotherapeutic interventions with unaccompanied refugee minors

Abstract

Unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) are a population at risk for developing mental problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and/or depression. Therapists working with URMs often have to overcome language and cultural barriers, while taking into account these young people's specific needs. A growing literature describes a wide range of interventions designed to reduce psychopathologies and improve well-being. We summarized the different interventions used with URMs to get an overview of techniques used for reducing psychopathologies and difficulties of URMs and to give recommendations to help professionals. We searched eight databases for articles and books, imposing no restrictions on publication date or geographical region, and using English and French keywords. We included all studies (RCTs, case series, case study) that assessed an intervention with one or more URMs. Seventeen studies, reported in papers or book chapters, met the criteria for inclusion in our analysis. Only one RCT has been conducted with URMs but because of small sample size we cannot conclude on its efficacy. Other studies are case series or case studies and because of their study design, we cannot conclude whether one intervention is superior to others. Further research, with higher level of evidence, is needed to determine which types of intervention are most effective when working with URMs.

Prevention of psychological distress and promotion of resilience amongst unaccompanied refugee minors in resettlement countries

“…The three other studies looked at cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for which there is already a large body of work documented for children exposed to violence and war (Morina, Malek, Nickerson, & Bryant, ). The core components of the therapy, that is, recognizing unhelpful cognitions, behaviours, and developing personal coping strategies, are adapted to focus on different presentations amongst the heterogeneous groups of URMs (Demazure, Gaultier, & Pinsault, ).…”

“…Social support, whether that be from peers or a parental figures, is a protective factor in the face of adversity and loss (Demazure et al, ). Having foster carers or guardians in certain placements may give the young people opportunities to better confide and express feelings of despair and hopelessness.…”

Development and implementation of a group based mental health intervention for unaccompanied minors

“…In a scoping review of psychotherapeutic interventions with UMs (Demazure, Gaultier & Pinsault, ) found that evidence is still scarce in this group. Only one RCT was identified.…”

Challenges and opportunities in refugee mental health: clinical, service, and research considerations

“…The review of treatment studies for psychiatrically distressed unaccompanied refugee minors is very revealing in demonstrating the dearth of adequate studies with this group [33], although cognitive behavioural approaches with individuals or groups look promising [34] and interventions that give meaning to the events (psychoeducation, rapport building, and use of narratives) could also be effective [35]. The potential for offering the interventions to large groups and ensuring that the unaccompanied minors find them rewarding and effective and can make sense of the interventions is also important [36].…”