Primary Investigators: Zainab Hosseini, PhD, Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Psychology; Rania Awaad, MD, Stanford Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Partners: World Relief

Funders: Stanford Office of Community Engagement, Center for Innovation in Global Health

Can culturally and spiritually grounded modalities improve the mental health care of young Afghan refugees navigating depressive symptoms?

This research project will collaborate with a resettlement agency in Anaheim, CA to implement a culturally responsive psychosocial support program addressing symptoms of depression among recently resettled young adult Afghan refugees. Researchers hope to compare the effectiveness of a culturally and spiritually grounded program with a standard, evidence-based program for young adults that has not been culturally attuned.

“We are eager to build on the cultural and spiritual assets embedded within the Afghan refugee community to deliver relevant and effective mental health services,” said Co-PI Dr. Zainab Hosseini. “Refugee young adults are full of immense potential for contribution to their communities and societies, and we hope that receiving a culturally and spiritually grounded intervention can support their healing and growth after having faced the deleterious consequences of forced displacement.”