The association between social support and posttraumatic stress symptoms in relation to treatment change in asylum seekers and refugees

Abstract

Background: Studies about factors that might be related to treatment change in posttraumatic stress symptoms and other psychological complaints in refugees are rare. Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between social support, social wellbeing and posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in relation to treatment change in refugees living in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the influence of gender on this relationship was examined. Methods: Data from 180 refugees, who were treated at Foundation Centrum `45, were collected through self-report questionnaires (HTQ, HSCL-25, ResQ, and WHOQOL). There were two periods of measurement: before treatment and after treatment. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in treatment change of posttraumatic stress symptoms and anxiety symptoms. Social wellbeing was significantly associated with this treatment change, whereas social support was not. Furthermore, gender did not moderate this relationship. Conclusion: This study attempted to provide a better understanding of factors that are important to optimize the treatment of traumatized refugees, but the results indicate that it is still not clear how social support and wellbeing in this specific group are related to the effectiveness of treatment. More research about the impact of social support and social wellbeing on treatment and appropriate interventions for refugees is needed.