Description of a culture-sensitive, low-threshold psychoeducation intervention for asylum seekers (tea garden)
Mewes R, Giesebrecht J, Weise C, Grupp F (2021)
Publication Type: Journal article, Original article
Subtype: other
Publication year: 2021
Journal
Book Volume: 3C7 - e4577
DOI: 10.32872/cpe.4577
Open Access Link: https://doi.org/10.32872/cpe.4577
Abstract
Background: Asylum seekers often suffer from high levels of mental distress. However, as a result
of a lack of knowledge about mental health and health care, as well as cultural and language
barriers, the utilization of mental health care in Western host countries is often difficult for these
individuals. Reducing these barriers may thus be a crucial first step towards appropriate mental
health care. Previous research showed that psychoeducation may be helpful in this regard.
Method: The current manuscript describes a short, low-threshold and transdiagnostic intervention
named ‘Tea Garden (TG)’. The TG aims to increase specific knowledge about mental health
problems and available treatments, and may improve psychological resilience and self-care. In this
manuscript, we specifically focus on culturally sensitive facets, following the framework proposed
by Heim and colleagues (2021, https://doi.org/10.32872/cpe.6351), and lessons learned from three
independent pilot evaluations (Ns = 31; 61; 20).
Results: The TG was found to be feasible and quantitative results showed that it was helpful for
male and female asylum seekers from different countries of origin (e.g., Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Iraq) and with different educational levels. Interestingly, even asylum seekers who had
already been in Germany or Austria for three or more years benefited from the TG.
Conclusion: The TG specifically aims to be culture-sensitive rather than culture-specific, to be
transdiagnostic rather than focused on specific mental disorders, and to be suitable for asylum
seekers who are still in the insecure process of applying for asylum. It may also be helpful for
distressed asylum seekers who do not fulfill the criteria for a mental disorder, and for healthy
asylum seekers who could use the knowledge gained in the TG to help others.
Authors with CRIS profile
Additional Organisation(s)
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)
Austria (AT)How to cite
APA:
Mewes, R., Giesebrecht, J., Weise, C., & Grupp, F. (2021). Description of a culture-sensitive, low-threshold psychoeducation intervention for asylum seekers (tea garden). Clinical Psychology in Europe, 3C7 - e4577. https://doi.org/10.32872/cpe.4577
MLA:
Mewes, Ricarda, et al. "Description of a culture-sensitive, low-threshold psychoeducation intervention for asylum seekers (tea garden)." Clinical Psychology in Europe 3C7 - e4577 (2021).
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