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Supporting Transition Resilience Among Newcomer Groups (STRONG): Examining effectiveness and acceptability in urban
Catherine DeCarlo Santiago1, Susana Sosa1, Tali Raviv2,3
1Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
American Journal of Community Psychology
|January 15, 2025
Summary
The Supporting Transition Resilience Of Newcomer Groups (STRONG) program shows promise in improving mental health for refugee and immigrant students. Initial findings indicate reduced anxiety and externalizing symptoms, though coping efficacy needs further study.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health
- School-Based Interventions
Background:
- Newcomer refugee and immigrant students face unique mental health challenges during resettlement.
- Existing support systems may not adequately address the trauma-informed and strengths-based needs of this population.
- School-based programs offer a vital platform for delivering mental health support and improving service access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of the STRONG program for newcomer students.
- To examine the impact of STRONG on mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and resilience.
- To gather qualitative data on the perceived benefits and challenges of the STRONG intervention from students, teachers, and facilitators.
Main Methods:
- A group randomized waitlist control design was employed.
- A sample of 64 diverse newcomer students participated in the STRONG program.
- Qualitative data were collected through interviews with school staff and focus groups with program facilitators.
Main Results:
- Students in the immediate STRONG treatment group showed significant reductions in anxiety/depression and externalizing symptoms compared to the waitlist control group.
- Qualitative data supported the acceptability and perceived benefits of the STRONG program.
- An unexpected decrease in coping efficacy was observed, with notable interactions related to school type.
Conclusions:
- The STRONG program demonstrates preliminary effectiveness in supporting the mental health of newcomer youth.
- Further research is necessary to refine the intervention and address observed outcomes, such as decreased coping efficacy.
- STRONG represents a promising, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach for school-based mental health support for immigrant and refugee students.
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