Are peer-to-peer psychological interventions effective for refugees’ mental health and wellbeing? A systematic review
Burkinshaw, Megan Wilcockson, Matthew
Burkinshaw, Megan
Wilcockson, Matthew
Affiliation
University of Warwick; Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
Other Contributors
Publication date
2025-11-06
Subject
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Purpose
Barriers to accessing healthcare exist for refugees, suggesting the need for culturally appropriate interventions such as peer-delivered treatment. There is limited research regarding the effectiveness of peer-led interventions, thus this systematic review aims to investigate whether peer-to-peer psychological interventions improve trauma-related outcomes, common mental health problems, and functioning and wellbeing for refugees in resettled countries. This review therefore will allow for a greater understanding of the efficacy of peer-led interventions through systematically reviewing the available quantitative findings.
Design/methodology/approach
A PRISMA protocol was followed to conduct a systematic review. Four databases were searched (PsychINFO, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science) for peer-reviewed research studies published in English from 2012–2022. Studies were included if they had a focus on peer-to-peer interventions targeting refugee mental health in resettled countries.
Findings
Of an initial 732 studies retrieved, 10 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Results indicated that peer-to-peer interventions improved posttraumatic growth, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Equally, some results were suggestive of improving functioning and wellbeing.
Originality/value
This review showed the evidence has generally supported the use of peer-delivered interventions for refugees in resettled countries. Thus, the results of this review indicate that peer-to-peer interventions could be offered within clinical practice to support and improve mental health, functioning and wellbeing.
Citation
Burkinshaw M, Wilcockson M (2025;), "Are peer-to-peer psychological interventions effective for refugees’ mental health and wellbeing? A systematic review". International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-03-2024-0031
Type
Article