Syrian Refugees Provide Effective Psychological Support to Fellow Refugees
Research shows: short program effective in reducing psychological symptoms
Syrian refugees in the Netherlands can successfully help each other with psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. A short program (PM+, developed by the World Health Organization) enables trained refugees without a background in psychology to effectively support their peers. This approach still has lasting effects at least a year later, according to doctoral research by psychologist Anne de Graaff.
De Graaff studied the effectiveness of PM+—a psychological program consisting of five sessions—among Syrian refugees/asylum seekers. Participants who received this help felt significantly better months later than refugees who did not receive support. They experienced less stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and these improvements largely persisted after a year.
Importance of the Research
Many refugees and asylum seekers have experienced traumatic events. Even in the Netherlands, they often face stressful circumstances. Among Syrian refugees and asylum seekers in the Netherlands, an estimated one in three suffers from depression, an anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nevertheless, relatively few of them make use of mental health services. This is partly due to long waiting times, language barriers, unfamiliarity with the healthcare system, and stigma.
The use of trained lay helpers from within the refugee community offers a solution. These helpers provide targeted psychological support under the supervision of a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. The support is low-threshold, short-term, and can be delivered quickly in the refugees’ own language. Moreover, it is based on existing, scientifically proven therapies—such as cognitive behavioral therapy—adapted for use by non-specialists.
Impact on Society
This approach is not only humane and effective but also practical: it reduces pressure on regular mental health services and helps a group that is often overlooked. By empowering refugees to help one another, psychological support becomes more accessible and culturally appropriate.
In summary: With the right training, refugees and asylum seekers can play a valuable role in mental healthcare within their own communities. This model offers potential for broader application, including among other groups and in other countries.
More information on the thesis