New in Town-An internet-based self-efficacy intervention for internal migrants: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Migration Studies

Background:

• Migration presents significant challenges to well-being and mental health.
• Social self-efficacy may aid migrants in adjusting to new environments, reducing anxiety, and fostering integration.
• Previous research suggests self-efficacy interventions can be beneficial for migrant populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the "New in Town" internet-based self-efficacy intervention.
• To assess the intervention's impact on social self-efficacy, general self-efficacy, social support, life satisfaction, and loneliness among internal migrants in Poland.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 158 internal adult migrants who relocated within the last six months.
• Participants were assigned to either an internet-based self-efficacy intervention group or a waitlist control group.
• Outcomes were measured at baseline and three weeks post-intervention; data collection was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Results:

• The experimental group (n=80) showed a statistically significant increase in general self-efficacy compared to the waitlist control group (n=78).
• No significant differences were found between groups regarding social self-efficacy, social support, life satisfaction, or loneliness.
• The dropout rate was 50.6%, and the study analysis was restricted to pre-pandemic data.

Conclusions:

• The internet-based self-efficacy intervention demonstrated preliminary effectiveness in enhancing general self-efficacy among internal migrants.
• Further research is needed to explore the intervention's impact on social self-efficacy and other psychosocial outcomes.
• Adaptations may be necessary to optimize the intervention for diverse migrant populations and contexts.