Research directions
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder: Cultural and structural factors
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) was introduced in 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a new diagnosis. Evidence in the field of cultural clinical psychology indicates cultural variation in symptoms of CPTSD. We have published
a theoretical review on the cultural aspects in CPTSD.
In our current research project, we aim to examine such cultural aspects of CPTSD among displaced people in Switzerland. We conducted two systematic reviews of qualitative studies (
one for the Middle East and Northern African region, and one for Sub-Saharan Africa). In addition, we are conducting qualitative interviews with therapists, translators, and refugee populations.
Based on this formative research, we are culturally adapting the therapeutic manual 'Skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation Enhanced' (ESTAIR) for refugee populations in Switzerland, and we are developing a cultural module for diagnosing CPTSD in our target group.
In collaboration with the Psychotherapeutic Consultation for Migrants (CPM) at Appartenances in Lausanne and the Red Cross Outpatient Centre for Victims of War and Torture in Berne, we have set up a pilot project to test the diagnostic module and the ESTAIR manual.
We have obtained CHF 250,000 from the Humanitarian Foundation of the Red Cross to carry out this pilot project. And in October 2022, the SNSF approved the funding for a clinical trial to test the diagnostic module and the ESTAIR manual (CHF 1.3 million).
Digital psychological interventions
Step-by-Step is a guided online self-help programme for the treatment of depression. It targets different socio-cultural groups that have experienced adversity, for example Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the Lebanese population, and Albanian immigrants in Switzerland and Germany. We have conducted research on cultural adaptation of this programme, and we have shown its effect for the treatment of depression in Lebanon.
Related publications:
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Effects of a WHO-guided digital health intervention for depression in Syrian refugees in Lebanon: A randomized controlled trial
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Guided digital health intervention for depression in Lebanon: randomised trial
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Cultural adaptation of Hap-pas-Hapi, an internet and mobile-based intervention for the treatment of psychological distress among Albanian migrants in Switzerland and Germany
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Community cognitive interviewing to inform local adaptations of an e-mental health intervention in Lebanon
Cultural adaptation of psychological interventions
The "Task force for cultural adaptation of mental health interventions for refugees" has published
a special issue in the scientific journal Clinical Psychology in Europe.
Based on experiences across different research groups in Germany, we developed
the reporting criteria for cultural adaptation of psychological interventions in clinical trials (RECAPT).
An online survey with international experts in cultural adaptation of psychological interventions was conducted, including two rounds of feedback. The consolidation process resulted in eleven reporting criteria to guide and document the process of cultural adaptation. A template for documenting this process is provided. The eleven criteria are structured along A) Set-up; B) Formative research methods; C) Intervention adaptation; D) Measuring outcomes and implementation.
Stigma and discrimination related to mental disorders
As part of the
Lancet Commission on stigma and discrimination, we conducted an umbrella review of systematic reviews to summarize evidence on the effectiveness of anti-stigma interventions, and the most promising intervention components.
