The global refugee crisis has highlighted the need for innovative approaches to mental health care. The ecological model of adaptation offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interplay of individual, cultural, and community factors affecting psychosocial adjustment among displaced populations. This model is particularly relevant for practitioners working with Syrian refugees in Jordan, as it provides insights into how these individuals adapt to new environments and cope with displacement.
The Ecological Model Explained
The ecological model of adaptation considers individuals as nested within multiple interacting systems, including intra-individual, family/peers, society, and culture. This approach emphasizes the transactional nature of these systems, where individuals can influence their social contexts while also being affected by them. By examining responses to potentially traumatic events at various levels, practitioners can develop a more holistic understanding of distress and resilience.
The Five ADAPT Pillars
The model incorporates the five ADAPT pillars identified by Silove (2013): safety and security; bonds and networks; justice; roles and identities; and existential meaning. These pillars provide a framework for examining how interactions between these systems may lead to diverse presentations of distress and resilience.
Key Findings from Syrian Refugees in Jordan
A recent study involving Syrian and Jordanian psychosocial workers revealed several key concepts that can inform therapeutic practices. One such concept is "karama" (dignity), which plays a crucial role in identity and social exchange. The study found that adaptive functions of karama are moderated by gender and displacement, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive approaches.
- Karama: Central to identity, connected to justice, and foundational for social exchange.
- Sudme: Refers to the emotional impact of crisis, encompassing both trauma and daily stressors.
The study also found that gender significantly affects access to karama and responses to sudme. Women often have greater access to services that can enhance their karama by providing opportunities for empowerment.
Implications for Practitioners
The ecological model encourages practitioners to consider a broader range of causal factors than traditional individualistic therapy approaches. By incorporating transactional concepts like niche construction—where individuals modify their environment to promote adaptation—therapists can better support clients in leveraging existing resources for resilience.
Practical Applications
- Culturally Sensitive Interventions: Develop interventions that respect cultural norms while promoting empowerment.
- Niche Construction: Encourage clients to engage in activities that modify their environment positively.
- Community-Level Interventions: Focus on enhancing social support networks and community resources.
This approach aligns with international norms for psychosocial programming in crisis settings, emphasizing the importance of developing new roles, identities, bonds, or justice to support resilience.
The Path Forward: Encouraging Further Research
The ecological model provides a rich framework for developing testable hypotheses about the role of social, cultural, and interpersonal factors in individual wellbeing among refugees. Researchers are encouraged to explore these areas further to refine therapeutic approaches and develop evidence-based interventions that address the unique needs of displaced populations.
