Culturally Adapted Psychological Support for Conflict-Affected Afghans: Study Protocol on Mental Health & Violence

Launched by PEACE OF MIND ASSOCIATION (POMA) · May 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new type of psychological support designed for young Afghans aged 16 to 30 who are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program being tested is called Problem Management Plus with Emotional Processing (PM+ EP). The goal of the study is to see if this support can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, improve daily life, and lessen aggressive behaviors. By doing this research, the team hopes to learn if this approach can be helpful enough to create a larger study in the future.

To participate in this trial, you need to be between 16 and 30 years old, be able to read and write in Dari, and show signs of psychological distress, which can be measured using a specific scale. However, if you are at risk of harming yourself, have severe mental health issues like psychosis, or have certain neurological disabilities, you won't be eligible to join. While the study is not currently recruiting participants, it aims to gather valuable information about mental health support for communities affected by conflict in Afghanistan.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Psychological Distress, measured at \>15 on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)
• • Afghan nationality
• • Age between 16 and 30
• • Ability to read and write in Dari
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Imminent suicide risk
• • Experiencing psychosis
• • Neurological or cognitive disabilities