Resettled Refugee Families for Healing

Summary

The goal of this type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial is to test a family strengthening (FS) model delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) combined with a virtual peer mentoring program called TeenAge Health Consultants (Virtual TAHC) aimed at addressing emotional and behavioral problems among youth born in the U.S. to parents resettled as refugees. The specific aims of the study are:

Aim 1: To systematically adapt an evidence-based family strengthening (FS) model delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) combined with a peer mentoring program (Virtual TAHC) (Goal 1).

Aim 2: To assess preliminary short- and long-term impact of the combination intervention (MFG + Virtual TAHC) on behavioral emotional disorders (aggressive behavior, antisocial behaviors, anxiety, depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder \[PTSD\]) related to intergenerational trauma among SGRC in the trial (Goal 2).

Aim 3: Utilizing mixed methods and applying the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework, examine implementation strategies, facilitators, and barriers of the RRF4H intervention (Goal 3).

Participants will receive:

1. Family strengthening intervention delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) where children and one of their biological parents will participate in 16 weekly group sessions to discuss common problems and how to address them.
2. The youth in the intervention will participate in a peer mentorship program called TeenAge Health Consultants (TAHC) consisting of 16 weekly virtual sessions where they interact with other youth to learn about important topics including how to deal with conflict, stay out of trouble, deal with stress, avoid drugs and other topics.

Researchers will compare the intervention group to a control group that will receive the usual care to see if the intervention group shows improvement in symptoms compared to the usual care group.

Conditions

• Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
• Depression
• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Anxiety
• Aggressive Behavior

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

RRF4H Combination Intervention

MFG: is a family strengthening model where children and their parents sit together in groups of 8 to 10 families to discuss important issues. MFG approach provides a social support mechanism and strengthens family relationships by allowing families to share common experiences as well as effective strategies for addressing difficult issues; and focuses on reducing stigma and normalizing common experiences. TAHC: This is a peer-led program that allows younger students to talk with peers about important issues that they face, gain role models, and identify positive social norms from older peers. It provides age-appropriate lessons and is delivered in a structured fashion. The curriculum consists of sixteen 50-minute lessons spread out over two academic years. Topics delivered in the curriculum include substance use, positive outlook on life, forming a positive self-concept, decision making and problem solving, coping with depression, bullying and social media.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  collaborator NIH

• Washington University School of Medicine

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Nhial T Tutlam, PhD · Washington University School of Medicine

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

14 Years

Max Age

17 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-06-01

Primary Completion

2026-08-31

Completion

2026-12-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations