Trauma-focused group intervention for unaccompanied young refugees : “Mein Weg”—predictors of treatment outcomes and sustainability of treatment effects

Kurzfassung/Abstract

Background: Current research on treatment predictors and long-term effects of trauma-focused interventions for (unaccompanied) refugee minors is limited. This secondary analysis of a recent randomised controlled trial (RCT), evaluating the trauma-focused group intervention “Mein Weg” (English “My Way”) compared to usual care, investigated several refugee-specific factors such as treatment predictors and sustainability of treatment gains.

Methods: In total N = 50 participants ( M age = 17.00, 94% male) were included in this analysis. Evaluation of 3-month follow-up data included: posttraumatic stress symptoms [(PTSS) CATS-Self, CATS-Care], depression (PHQ-8), and dysfunctional posttraumatic cognitions (CPTCI-S). Baseline symptom severity of the above-mentioned measures, trauma load and socio-demographic factors were investigated as the treatment predictors.

Results: Intention-to-treat-analyses (ITT) revealed the sustainability of treatment effects in self-reported PTSS (pre to post change: 6.48 ± 1.60, d = 0.62, p < 0.001; post to 3-month follow-up change: 1.41 ± 1.96, d = 0.11, p = 0.47) and depression (pre to post change: 7.82 ± 2.09, d = 0.64, p < 0.001; post to 3-month follow-up change: 1.35 ± 2.17, d = 0.05, p = 0.54). Country of origin alone was a significant predictor of the change in PTSS ( b = − 8.22 ± 3.53, t (30) = − 2.33, p = 0.027), and baseline levels of depression were a significant predictor of the change in depression ( b = 0.83 ± 0.19, t (33) = 4.46, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This group intervention can serve as a valuable component in a stepped care approach with promising long-term effects for young refugees.