Abstract: The Family Strengthening Intervention for Resettlement: A Feasibility and Acceptability Trial (Society for Social Work and Research 30th Annual Conference Anniversary)

Schedule:

Friday, January 16, 2026

Marquis BR 9, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)

* noted as presenting author

Haitisha Mehta, MA, Doctoral Student, Boston College, MA

Farhad Sharifi, MA, Research Assistant, Boston College, MA

Theresa Betancourt, ScD, Salem Professor in Global Practice, Boston College, MA

Purpose: Forced migration and resettlement expose children and families to trauma that can contribute to mental health problems and increase the risk of poor family functioning and family conflict. The Family Strengthening Intervention for Resettlement (FSI-R) is an evidence-based family mental health promotion and prevention intervention. This study reports findings from the feasibility and acceptability trial of the FSI-R adapted for newly resettled Afghan families in New England following the four decades of war and conflict in Afghanistan.

Method: Using Community-Based Participatory Research Methods (CBPR), the FSI-R was adapted and delivered to resettled Afghan families (n=13) by trained local Afghan non-specialist peers. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from caregivers (n=44) and children (n=25) to measure the intervention's impact on child mental health and trauma symptoms, family functioning, and positive parenting practices.

Findings: Quantitative results indicated positive improvements in family functioning, positive parenting, and a reduction in child trauma symptoms and depression. Qualitative data showed themes of improvements in child behaviors, caregiving practices, and family communication.

Conclusion: Culturally adapted family-based preventive and mental health-promoting interventions that utilize CBPR methods are a promising approach to addressing the stressors and impact of trauma experienced in forced migration among resettled Afghans.