Practice Elements in Targeted and Universal Child Mass Trauma Interventions

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Trauma Studies
• Intervention Research

Background:

• Child mass trauma interventions frequently comprise multiple practice elements, often poorly identified in outcome research.
• Understanding these elements for targeted versus universal populations is crucial for future intervention development and delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare frequently used practice elements in child mass trauma interventions delivered to targeted and universal populations.
• To examine intervention delivery across country income, event types (including COVID-19), modes, and settings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 84 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs.
• Analysis of 131 identified psychosocial interventions for mass trauma in children.
• Comparison of intervention elements based on population type (targeted vs. universal).

Main Results:

• Most interventions were for targeted populations, delivered in groups within schools or communities.
• Psychoeducation (child), affect modulation, and relaxation were common for both populations.
• Targeted interventions more frequently included exposure, narrative, and caregiver psychoeducation; universal interventions favored social skills, mindfulness, self-praise, and communication skills.

Conclusions:

• Intervention elements vary significantly between targeted and universal child populations exposed to mass trauma.
• Future research must clearly identify, describe, and evaluate specific practice elements for distinct populations and delivery contexts.
• Addressing disparities in intervention delivery and specific child group needs is essential.