The effectiveness of trauma treatment approaches in refugee children and adolescents: A systematic review

Abstract

An increasing number of refugees, including children and families, suffer traumatic experiences during persecution within their country of origin, migration, and resettlement in host countries. While ample trauma interventions are offered for different cultures, little is known about the effectiveness of trauma treatment approach for refugee minors. Accordingly, this review examines trauma studies focusing on traumatized refugee children and adolescents to provide recommendations for best practices and future directions. We systematically reviewed English peer-reviewed studies on refugee children's and adolescents' trauma, treatment approaches, and measurement of posttraumatic stress disorder outcomes. Only 20 experimental studies were reviewed due to a shortage of evidence in this field. A number of empirically tested trauma treatment models were identified for reducing trauma symptoms, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral treatment, narrative exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, Mein Weg (My Way), multimodal trauma-focused treatment, and art therapy. Although the effectiveness of these treatment approaches is well-established, more research with larger and more diverse samples are needed. Appropriate therapy models are also needed for this population by focusing on the psychological needs and treatments for refugee children and adolescents.