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Using Friends to Combat Anxiety and Adjustment Problems among Young Migrants to Australia: A National Trial

Griffith University, Australia, P.Barrett{at}mailbox.gu.edu.au

Robi Sonderegger

Griffith University, Australia

Sophia Xenos

RMIT University, Australia

The primary objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the capacity of a well- validated anxiety prevention and emotional resiliency program (FRIENDS) to reduce psychological distress in young culturally diverse migrants of non-English speaking background (NESB), and (ii) to determine whether any change in psychological symptoms and emotional resilience would be maintained over time. Three hundred and twenty-four students differentiated by cultural origin (former- Yugoslavian, Chinese, and mixed-ethnic) and educational level (elementary and high school), were recruited from different Australian states and allocated to either an intervention or wait-list condition. All students completed standardized measures of self-esteem, internalizing symptoms, and future outlook both before and after a 10-week FRIENDS intervention or wait period. One hundred and thirty-nine participants from Queensland were also assessed six months following completion of the FRIENDS program to determine its long-term effects. Consistent with previous trials involving culturally diverse populations, NESB participants who underwent FRIENDS training exhibited significantly greater self- esteem, fewer internalizing symptoms, and a less pessimistic future outlook than wait-list participants at both post- and six months follow-up assessment intervals. This study provides empirical evidence for the utility of the FRIENDS program as a resource for therapists and schools working with young culturally diverse migrant populations.

Key Words: anxiety • children • culture • FRIENDS • treatment

Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Vol. 8, No. 2, 241-260 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/1359104503008002008


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