Improving resilience and mental well-being among refugees residing at asylum centers in the Netherlands: A pre-post feasibility study

Background

Few studies have explored the effects of mental health and psychosocial support programs among refugees residing at asylum centers. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a positive psychology intervention called BAMBOO among refugees temporarily residing at asylum centers in the Netherlands.

Method

Data was collected at 35 asylum centers from 243 participants who completed five weekly two-hour sessions. Pre- and post-changes in resilience, happiness, and positive and negative affect were assessed using a one-group pretest–posttest design. Also, program fidelity, participant satisfaction, and program activity suitability were evaluated.

Results

Completer and intention-to-treat analyses revealed a significant medium increase in resilience, a large increase in happiness, a small increase in positive affect, and a medium decrease in negative affect. Reliable change indices showed a positive change in 24 % of the participants on resilience and 13 % on positive and negative affect, respectively. Participant retention was 80 %. Moreover, participant satisfaction was high. Also, a substantial proportion of participants evaluated reading and writing-based activities as less suitable in comparison to activities based on verbal and creative expression, physical movement, and meditation/prayer.

Conclusions

Findings showed significant increases in scores from pre- to post-assessment on resilience, happiness, and positive affect and a decrease in negative affect. Since the study design limits the ability to attribute causation, future controlled studies should be conducted to stablish stronger evidence regarding the program's effects. Additionally, the program could benefit from further adaptation to enhance its cultural sensitivity. Trial registration number: ISRCTN18019972