The effect of a low-level psychological intervention (PM+) on post-migration living difficulties – Results from two studies in Switzerland and in the Netherlands

Spaaij, Julia, De Graaff, Anne M., Akhtar, Aemal, Kiselev, Nikolai, McDaid, David, Moergeli, Hanspeter, Pfaltz, Monique c., Schick, Matthis, Schnyder, Ulrich, Bryant, Richard a., Cuijpers, Pim, Sijbrandij, Marit and Morina, Naser (2023) The effect of a low-level psychological intervention (PM+) on post-migration living difficulties – Results from two studies in Switzerland and in the Netherlands. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 127. ISSN 0010-440X

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Abstract

Aims of the study After arriving in host countries, most refugees are confronted with numerous post-migration stressors (e.g., separation from family, discrimination, and employment difficulties). Post-migration living difficulties (PMLDs) significantly contribute to the development and persistence of mental disorders. Effective treatment approaches focusing on reducing post-migration stress are urgently needed. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a brief psychological intervention, Problem Management Plus (PM+), on PMLDs among Syrian refugees in two European countries. Methods We merged data from two single-blind feasibility trials with Syrian refugees experiencing elevated levels of psychological distress and impaired functioning in Switzerland (N = 59) and the Netherlands (N = 60). Participants were randomised to receive either five sessions of PM+ or an enhanced care-as-usual control condition. PMLDs were assessed at baseline and 3 months after the intervention. To estimate treatment effect on PMLD, linear mixed model analysis was performed. Results Three months after the intervention, participants in the PM+ condition reported significantly fewer PMLDs compared to the control condition. Further analyses at item-level showed that interpersonal and family related PMLDs, such as “worries about family back home” significantly improved over time in the PM+ condition. Conclusions This exploratory study suggests that brief psychological interventions have the potential to reduce PMLDs in refugees and asylum seekers. The reduction of post-migration stress in turn may subsequently lead to an overall reduction in psychological distress. Clinical Trial Numbers: BASEC Nr. 2017–0117 (Swiss trial) and NL61361.029.17, 7 September 2017 (Dutch trial).

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2023 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Personal Social Services Research Unit
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine H Social Sciences R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Date Deposited:	19 Sep 2023 11:00
Last Modified:	08 May 2024 21:21
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/120256

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