Understanding how forced displacement affects the mental health of older adults
The Impact of Forced Displacement on Aging Adult Mental Health: Implications for Developing Interventions
This study is looking at the mental health struggles of older Bhutanese refugees living in the US and aims to understand how support from friends and community can help them feel better, while also creating helpful programs just for them over the next three years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lehigh University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethlehem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187108 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mental health challenges faced by older adult refugees, particularly those from Bhutan, who have resettled in the US. It employs a community-based participatory research approach to explore how social support can protect mental health and to develop interventions tailored to this vulnerable population. The study will combine qualitative methods to gather insights and a longitudinal design to quantitatively assess mental health over three years, focusing on the impact of past traumas and current support systems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adult Bhutanese refugees aged 50 and older who have experienced forced displacement.
Not a fit: Patients who are not refugees or those younger than 50 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective mental health interventions specifically designed for older refugees, improving their overall well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community-based approaches can effectively address mental health issues in refugee populations, suggesting potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
Bethlehem, United States
- Lehigh University — Bethlehem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frounfelker, Rochelle Lynn — Lehigh University
- Study coordinator: Frounfelker, Rochelle Lynn
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.