Attachment-based group work for asylum seeker parents: the role of Torture and Trauma Services

Research suggests that asylum seekers have higher rates of mental health problems than the general population (Robjant et al. 2009; Asgary & Segar 2011; Bernardes et al. 2010). Studies also show that asylum seeker parents and... [ view full abstract ]

Research suggests that asylum seekers have higher rates of mental health problems than the general population (Robjant et al. 2009; Asgary & Segar 2011; Bernardes et al. 2010). Studies also show that asylum seeker parents and their children in held detention exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress (Steel et al. 2004; Mares et al. 2002). Research of families in detention has also found that children have experienced attachment problems, behavioural disturbances and separation anxiety, while parents have reported a decrease in their parenting capacity (Newman & Steel 2008).
Release from held detention does not necessarily bring an immediate reduction in mental health problems. At the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT), it appeared there were particular parenting and family relationship difficulties for asylum seeker families who either had spent time in off-shore detention or were on a negative protection pathway.
In response to clients’ needs QPASTT has run three attachment-based groups for asylum seeker parents. We used the Circle of Security (Cooper, Marvin, Hoffman & Powell 2006) relationship-based attachment parenting group model to structure three groups, held across 2015-2016. Data collected during the group work and feedback from participants indicates that this group work was positively received and parents reported higher levels of confidence in their parenting.
Building on this experience, this paper explores the scope and benefit for torture and trauma services offering attachment-based group-work to asylum seeker parents. In acknowledging the mental health needs of asylum seeker parents and their children, these attachment-based groups address a gap in the literature.