A test of a resilience based intervention for mental health problems in Iraqi internally displaced person camps

Background and Objectives: The mental health needs of those in internally displaced persons camps are significant and are compounded by a number of barriers to care. Traditional methods of mental health care are often not feasible and thus a need exists for interventions that can successfully meet these conditions. The current study introduces and tests a new positive-psychology intervention, GROW, which was designed specifically for use in internally displaced persons camps. Design: Pre-Post-Follow-up longitudinal examination of those who participated in the GROW intervention group (N = 766). Methods: The study includes three waves of data for the intervention, which was administered in a group format, using paraprofessionals, over a two-week period in internally displaced persons camps in Iraq. Results: The results indicate significant decreases in symptoms of PTSD for participants from pre- to post-intervention and demonstrates these changes were maintained at a three-month follow-up. Post hoc results indicated participants who were older, female, or who attended more sessions were more likely to respond to the intervention. Conclusions: These data provide initial support for the intervention and suggest additional research to more fully validate this intervention are warranted.