Research Highlights Positive Impact of School Programs on Mental Health for Newcomer Students

A groundbreaking study has unveiled the efficacy of the Supporting Transition Resilience of Newcomer Groups, or STRONG, intervention, designed specifically for immigrant and refugee students. This innovative school-based program, which operates from kindergarten through 12th grade, aims to bolster mental health and support the emotional wellbeing of youth adjusting to new environments. Conducted by the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago in collaboration with Loyola University and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the study is the first randomized control trial to examine STRONG’s impact, making its findings particularly significant for educators, mental health professionals, and community members involved in supporting diverse populations.

The STRONG intervention is a trauma-informed approach that addresses the unique mental health needs of newcomer youth. Over the course of the program, students participate in ten weekly small group sessions accompanied by an individual session. Each session is designed to enhance the students’ resilience by equipping them with essential coping skills and tools. The curriculum focuses on cultivating self-awareness, fostering relationships, practicing relaxation and mindfulness techniques, and promoting cognitive problem-solving skills. By addressing both the psychological and social dimensions of adaptation, STRONG helps students build a robust support network, essential for their successful integration into new surroundings.

Results from the study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, indicate that after participating in the STRONG program, the surveyed students reported a striking 21 percent reduction in symptoms associated with depression and anxiety, markers that have long plagued refugee and immigrant populations. Furthermore, behavioral problems also saw a decline, decreasing by 8 percent according to student self-reports, and even more so, by 12 percent according to teachers’ observations. These significant reductions underscore the potential of STRONG as a longitudinal solution to the pressing mental health challenges faced by this vulnerable demographic.

Qualitative data collected through interviews with STRONG facilitators and school personnel revealed a wealth of anecdotal evidence supporting the program’s effectiveness. Participating students not only reported enhanced feelings of confidence but also manifested improved social interactions with peers. One group facilitator noted that many students found comfort in the knowledge that they were not alone in facing the mental health challenges associated with resettlement. This realization fostered an environment of openness and acceptance, allowing students to share their experiences and support each other.

Lurie Children’s staff has been proactive in ensuring that school personnel are trained in implementing the STRONG program. Since its inception in 2019, a total of 325 educators from 166 different schools across Chicago have undergone training. This initiative fosters not only community solidarity but also facilitates better access to essential mental health resources. The ongoing commitment to outreach will continue to be a focus, with plans in place to extend the STRONG program to more schools, both locally and nationally, empowering even more schools to support their newcomer students effectively.

CPS, committed to nurturing the holistic development of each child, recognizes that achieving academic success goes hand in hand with supporting emotional and social wellbeing. Pedro Martinez, the CPS CEO, emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students, particularly newcomers, have access to resources that will help them feel connected and valued within the school community. This framework takes into account the diverse experiences of the students and underscores CPS’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all.

The scientific evidence behind STRONG’s success can be seen as a beacon of hope for other communities striving to develop similar support systems for their students. The research findings will not only enhance the current understanding of mental health interventions for youth but also drive discussions around policy reforms aimed at addressing the needs of refugees and immigrants in educational settings. As communities expand their outreach and programs to embrace diversity, the challenges faced by newcomer students warrant a sustained and concerted response.

The STRONG intervention has received recognition for its potential impact beyond the immediate confines of Chicago, positioning it as a model for national and international implementations. As other regions begin to welcome growing numbers of immigrant and refugee students, the foundational work of this initiative may inspire similar methodologies tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse populations.

The research, which was published in the American Journal of Community Psychology, lays the groundwork for future inquiries aimed at refining trauma-informed practices and exploring other supportive strategies tailored for this demographic. Co-Principal Investigator Tali Raviv, who leads the Center for Childhood Resilience at Lurie Children’s, highlighted the profound implications of the findings, stating that fostering emotional resilience in newcomer students can significantly improve their integration journey.

In conclusion, the STRONG intervention not only provides critical mental health support for immigrant and refugee youth but also paves the way for continued exploration into effective educational frameworks. The study reminds us of the power of community intervention and the long-lasting effects of helping young people navigate the complexities of resettlement with dignity and agency. As various stakeholders rally around this cause, the emphasis on emotional wellbeing over academic outcomes becomes clear. The work done in Chicago serves as an inspiring reminder of the transformative potential embedded within our educational systems.

Subject of Research: Supporting Transition Resilience of Newcomer Groups (STRONG) intervention
Article Title: STRONG Intervention Demonstrates Efficacy in Reducing Mental Health Issues Among Refugee and Immigrant Students
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: 10.1002/ajcp.12777
References: American Journal of Community Psychology
Image Credits: N/A

Keywords: Mental health, Refugees, Immigrants, School intervention, PTSD, Trauma-informed care, Social-emotional learning, Community support, Educational equity, Resilience-building, Adolescent wellbeing, Psychoeducation.

Tags: Chicago Public Schools initiativescommunity support for immigrant familiescoping skills for newcomer studentsemotional wellbeing in schoolsimmigrant and refugee student supportmindfulness techniques in educationnewcomer student mental healthresilience building for youthschool mental health programssmall group therapy for studentsSTRONG intervention efficacytrauma-informed school practices