7ROSES, a transdiagnostic intervention for promoting self-efficacy in traumatized refugees : a first quantitative evaluation

Objective: Due to traumatic experiences and highly prevalent post-migration stressors, refugees are vulnerable for developing psychopathology. To date, research has mainly evaluated trauma-focused therapies, targeting post traumatic stresss symptoms. Treatments targeting post-migration stressors are relatively understudied. The present cohort study evaluated the potential effectiveness of 7ROSES, a transdiagnostic intervention that aims to increase self-efficacy among treatment-seeking refugees in dealing with postmigration stressors. Because it can be applied by non-specialist health care workers, it can be disseminated on a large scale, thereby increasing options for psychosocial support for refugees. 

Method: Forty-nine refugees (65% male, average age: 36.02 years, SD = 8.52) with psychopathology were included. Before and after participation in 7ROSES, self-efficacy was measured using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and general psychopathology using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). 

Results: Completers analysis yielded a significant increase in GSES scores (Z = −2.16, p = .03) and significant decrease in BSI scores (Z = −2.05, p = .04) with medium-small effects (both r = −.28). Intent-to-treat analysis, using predictive mean matching imputation, yielded significant results for the GSES (p = .012) but not for the BSI (p = .14) with small effects (GSES r = .14, BSI r = .12). Reliable change indices established negative change in 3%, no change in 70%, and positive change in 27% based on the GSES; percentages were 11.5%, 65.5%, and 23%, respectively, based on the BSI. 

Conclusion: Findings provide preliminary evidence that 7ROSES could improve self-efficacy and general mental health in refugees with psychopathology.

HIGHLIGHTS 

• 7ROSES is a new lowintensity transdiagnostic treatment. 

• 7ROSES aims to empower refugees with psychopathology in coping with post-migration problems. 

• Around a quarter of 7ROSES participants reported an increased selfefficacy and mental health improvement.