Group peer support among immigrants and refugees: a scoping review

This study aims to synthesize and evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness, implementation, and outcomes of group peer support among these immigrants and refugees worldwide. This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Empirical studies from the past ten years were identified through comprehensive searches of databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Articles included in the final analysis focused on group peer support interventions among immigrants and refugees. Seven studies, primarily conducted in North America and Europe, were identified, showcasing diverse and tailored implementations of group peer support interventions. All included psychoeducational components were conducted in person in the participants’ native languages and incorporated various cultural adaptations. These interventions uniformly featured discussions and sharing of experiences, consistently showing improvements in self-reported social support and emotional well-being. Group peer support is a promising intervention model that can be adapted to various settings and needs. It provides critical support and fosters resilience among immigrants and refugees. Further empirical studies are needed to explore the nuanced impacts of these interventions and their adaptability to the unique challenges these populations face.