Evaluation of the METRA + intervention on mental health and social functioning in Afghan refugee adolescents in Pakistan: a pilot study

What is it about?

This study looks at a new psychological support program called METRA+ designed for Afghan refugee adolescents living in Pakistan. Many of these young people have experienced war, displacement, and ongoing stress, which can affect their mental health and daily functioning. The METRA+ program combines different approaches to help young people cope with trauma, improve emotional wellbeing, and strengthen social skills. In this pilot study, we tested whether this program could reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Our findings suggest that METRA+ can improve both mental health and social functioning over time. The program also helps adolescents build a stronger sense of identity, hope, and connection with others. These results highlight the importance of providing accessible, culturally sensitive mental health support for refugee youth in challenging environments.

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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is important because millions of refugee adolescents are exposed to war-related trauma but have limited access to effective mental health care. METRA+ offers a scalable, low-cost, and culturally adaptable intervention that can be delivered in low-resource and humanitarian settings. By improving mental health and social functioning, this approach can support long-term recovery and resilience among vulnerable youth. The findings can inform policies and programs aimed at addressing the growing global refugee mental health crisis.

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