A Scoping Review of Family-Based Interventions for Immigrant/Refugee Children: Exploring Intergenerational Trauma.

Abstract

Immigrant and refugee families often experience significant trauma, which can be transmitted across generations. Nonetheless, little is known about interventions that mitigate intergenerational trauma within these populations. We conducted a scoping review to synthesize research evidence on family-based trauma interventions for immigrant and refugee children and their families, focusing on intergenerational trauma. Our search included peer-reviewed studies published globally from 1990 to 2024 that tested intervention effectiveness using pre- and post-intervention outcomes and involved both children and family members. Five studies met our inclusion criteria, comprising two parenting interventions, two multifamily group interventions, and one schoolbased intervention. All five interventions improved the children's mental health, while mixed findings were shown with parent mental health. Only one study explicitly named intergenerational trauma as their intervention goal, revealing a significant gap in this area. Recommendations for future studies are provided to guide practice and research in this critical area.