Islamic Trauma Healing: Initial Feasibility and Pilot Data

Lori Zoellner, Belinda Graham, Elizabeth Marks, Norah Feeny, Jacob Bentley, Anna Franklin and Duniya Lang
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Lori Zoellner: Department of Psychology/Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1525, USA
Belinda Graham: Department of Psychology/Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1525, USA
Elizabeth Marks: Department of Psychology/Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1525, USA
Norah Feeny: Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-7123, USA
Jacob Bentley: Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 98119-1997, USA
Anna Franklin: Department of Psychology/Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1525, USA
Duniya Lang: Somali Reconciliation Institute, Seattle, WA, USA

Societies, 2018, vol. 8, issue 3, 1-12

Abstract: Effective interventions for trauma-related psychopathology exist but there are considerable barriers to access and uptake by refugee groups. There is a clear need for culturally appropriate and accessible interventions designed in collaboration with refugee groups. Islamic Trauma Healing is a lay led, group intervention specifically targeting healing the mental wounds of trauma within local mosques. Using Prophet stories and turning to Allah about traumatic experiences, this program incorporates cognitive and exposure principles into an Islamic-informed intervention. In Study 1, following a community event describing the program, 39 Somali participants completed a brief trauma screening and interest measure. In Study 2, pre- to post-group pilot data related to PTSD, depression, somatic symptoms, well-being, and satisfaction was examined for men’s and women’s groups ( N = 13). Qualitative analysis of group and leader feedback was conducted. Both studies suggest a strong perceived need and match with the Islamic faith for the intervention, with large effects from the pre- to post-group (g = 0.76 to 3.22). Qualitative analysis identified themes of community, faith integration, healing, and growth. The program was well-received by participants and offers a promising model for the delivery of trauma-focused intervention to Muslim refugee communities.

Keywords: refugees; asylum seekers; trauma; religion; capacity-building (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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