Acceptance and Commitment Group Therapy for Unaccompanied Minors

Unaccompanied minors (UM) are considered to be a highly vulnerable refugee subgroup. Research has indicated that UM experience traumatic events and consequently develop high levels of psychopathology. Post-traumatic stress disorder is the most prevalent diagnosis, followed by depression, anxiety disorders as well as traumatic grief and conduct problems. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may be particularly suited to the treatment of survivors of trauma and with vulnerable refugee groups such as UM. A 5-week ACT group intervention will be carried out and its feasibility in UM will be explored along with its effect on mental health. The ACT group intervention will be based on a Self-Help Booklet by the World Health Organization "Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide". Following the 5-week ACT group intervention, focus groups with participants will be carried out to examine its acceptability and will be analysed qualitatively, using thematic analysis.