Helping women displaced by war in Ukraine avoid mental health issues

Preventing Mental Disorders Among Women Internally Displaced by War in Ukraine: The SHAWL Trial

NIH-funded research Boston Medical Center · NIH-10730622

This study is looking at how to help women who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine to prevent mental health issues by using a supportive therapy that focuses on acceptance and mindfulness, with the goal of making them feel better and more flexible in their thinking.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10730622 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on preventing mental disorders among women who have been internally displaced due to the war in Ukraine. It aims to adapt a community-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention, which emphasizes acceptance, mindfulness, and behavior change to enhance psychological flexibility. The project involves a multidisciplinary team working closely with community partners and mental health experts to deliver this intervention effectively. By addressing mental health proactively, the research seeks to mitigate the risk of developing serious mental health conditions among these vulnerable women.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have been displaced from their homes due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by the war or who are not displaced may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of mental health disorders among displaced women in Ukraine.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in similar humanitarian contexts, indicating promise for this innovative approach.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anxiety DisordersMental disordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.