Trauma-Focused Interventions for Children and Adolescents in Migration Contexts

Kurzfassung/Abstract

In 2024, worldwide, approximately 45 million children and youth were forcibly displaced. As a group, these are highly diverse—culturally, developmentally, in context, or migration histories. Multiple factors, including traumatic experiences, repeated losses, daily stressors, and prolonged uncertainty associated with asylum processes, affect their mental health trajectories. Unsurprisingly, it can be challenging to identify what is helpful for whom, where and when. The most researched interventions are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles. However, other approaches have been trialled. There are multiple barriers to accessing support. Resources are usually limited. Therefore, partnerships across agencies are more likely to holistically address the children’s complex challenges. Unmet basic physical and safety needs interfere with other aspects of recovery, and hence, need consideration. Social ruptures are major stressors, while social connectedness promotes trauma recovery and mitigates depression. This may be addressed via community and family support that enhances social integration. Transdiagnostic approaches addressing factors that may perpetuate trauma symptoms, such as skills for managing distress and problem solving, report positive effects. Preliminary evidence suggests that, where feasible, trauma-focused individual and group treatments reduce PTSD symptoms. More research is needed to develop frameworks that promote adaptive, yet evidence-based interventions to address trauma symptoms and associated mental health issues for youth in migration contexts at different times or places of their journey.