Unveiling mechanisms of change: Analyzing a short-term psychosocial support intervention for refugee children in Lebanon

Résumé fourni par la source

Lebanon’s multi-layered crisis - marked by regional conflict, economic collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020 Beirut Port Blast - has severely affected the psychosocial well-being of Syrian refugee children in Beirut. In response to the blast, a global psychosocial support intervention, the Better Learning Programme (BLP), was adapted into a targeted, short-term program delivered by five counselors, reaching 1,100 Syrian refugee children over 10 months. This study examines the mechanisms driving improvements in psychosocial well-being and the barriers that hindered progress for these children. Data collection was longitudinal in nature and consisted of 30 online interviews, six face-to-face interviews, and one group interview with five psychosocial counselors. The counselors observed significant improvements in children’s psychosocial well-being through three primary mechanisms: psychosocial safety, self-regulation, and co-regulation. Psychosocial safety was fostered through the creation of child-centered spaces and the provision of practical tools to support emotional well-being. Self-regulation enabled children to manage emotions and stress through psychoeducation and cognitive restructuring, while co-regulation promoted belonging and resilience through group cohesion and strong counselor-child relationships. These mechanisms reflect the multidimensional nature of well-being and emphasize the importance of relational, cultural, and contextual factors in delivering effective support in crisis settings. However, barriers such as emotional exhaustion of counselors, lack of systemic reinforcement, and external challenges such as economic hardship impeded the intervention’s implementation. This study provides insights into how a flexible, counselor-led psychosocial support intervention can strengthen well-being and highlights the critical role of relational, cultural, and contextual dynamics in shaping effective responses in crisis-affected, low- and middle-income settings. • Psychosocial safety, self-regulation, and co-regulation improved children’s well-being. • Culturally adapted CBT tools helped children manage stress and regulate emotions. • Group cohesion normalized emotions and fostered belonging among refugee children. • Counselor-child relationships fostered trust, resilience, and mutual psychosocial growth. • Barriers included counselor burnout, systemic gaps, and limited parental engagement.

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