Global Mental Health Research
Millions of children are forcibly displaced by war and other emergencies. Our research aims to better understand displaced children's mental health and well-being in order to improve prevention and care.
This website provides information on global mental health research led by Prof Michael Pluess and his collaborators.
The research includes the investigation of psychosocial and biological factors associated with psychological resilience, the reliable assessment of mental health problems, as well as the development and evaluation of psychological interventions.
From the blog
A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of Delivering Mental Health Care by Telephone in Humanitarian Settings
The pilot study investigated whether trained lay counsellors could deliver effective therapy over the phone to Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. The results reveal that remote therapy not only reduces mental health symptoms but also helps to overcome barriers such as transport, cost and stigma, offering a lifeline in humanitarian settings.
Understanding factors of risk and resilience in Syrian refugee children
Syrian refugee children face immense psychological challenges, yet not all succumb to mental health difficulties. This multi-system analysis explored how biological markers, such as stress hormone levels in hair and genetic profiles, might help predict which children are most vulnerable and which show resilience.
Tracking Resilience in Syrian Refugee Children and Adolescents
This study followed ~1,000 Syrian refugee children and adolescents living in Lebanon to understand how their mental health changed over the time span of a year. The findings highlight that resilience is not a fixed trait and is one that is deeply influenced by support systems. Such insights should be utilised to inform holistic interventions aimed at improving the mental health of refugees.
Mental Health Research among Syrian Refugees: Challenges and Solutions
Conducting robust research on the mental health of Syrian refugees is both essential yet logistically challenging. Such research is critical for informing the planning and provision of effective support services for this population. This article presents two research initiatives – BIOPATH and T-CETA, as featured on the website – and discusses the methodological challenges encountered and lessons learned from conducting research in this context.
Webinar: Launch of the Website and Recent Research Findings
In this webinar, broadcast on 26th June 2025, we introduced our newly launched website and shared the latest findings from the BIOPATH study – a large longitudinal study of Syrian refugee children living in informal settlements in Lebanon.
How Epigenetics Shapes Our Ability to Cope with Stress
Emerging research indicates that epigenetic mechanisms – biological processes that regulate gene expression without altering DNA sequences – may help explain why some individuals maintain psychological resilience in the face of adversity. A deeper understanding of these processes could inform more effective strategies for promoting mental health and preventing stress-related disorders.
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