Meta-analysis of the use of narrative exposure therapy for the effects of trauma among refugee populations

Abstract

Background: Narrative therapies, especially narrative exposure therapy, are used to treat the effects of trauma in refugees and to prevent psychiatric illness. These methods involve helping the person to tell the story of what happened to them until it no longer elicits anxiety.

Methods: We reviewed all quantitative studies related to narrative exposure methods for treating trauma or posttraumatic stress disorder in refugees. We focused on studies with sufficient information to calculate effect sizes and statistical power.

Results: We found 7 quantitative studies for which effect size and power could be calculated. The total average effect size for all interventions was 0.63 (medium). The average effect size for studies in which interventions were administered by physicians, adequately trained graduate students, or both was 0.53. The effect size for studies in which the counselors were themselves refugees was 1.02. The 95% confidence intervals for the effect sizes of narrative exposure therapy did not reach below 0.

Conclusion: Studies demonstrating the effectiveness of narrative methods have adequate effect sizes and statistical power. Empowering lay counselors to treat their fellow refugees in future studies is warranted.