BIOPATH
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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DNA Methylation Changes Correlated to War Trauma in Children and Adolescents
This study shows that exposure to war is not only emotionally scarring but may also leave a biological trace in children. Through exploring how war trauma affects DNA methylation in Syrian refugee youth, this research offers a new insight on how global mental health support can be tailored.
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Investigating the Predictors of Environmental Sensitivity in Syrian Refugee Children
This study identifies key predictors of environmental sensitivity, showing that both adverse and supportive environments influence how Syrian refugee children perceive and process their surroundings. Understanding which children are more sensitive could help tailor interventions to better support the mental health and well-being of forcibly displaced children.
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Hair Hormones Reveal Refugee Stress Patterns over Two Years
This research using hair hormone analysis sheds light on the long-term physiological impact of war trauma and forced displacement in Syrian refugee children. The study provides key insights into stress biomarkers and their relationship with mental health, informing future interventions to support vulnerable populations.
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The Critical Role of Mothers in Refugee Children’s Mental Health
This comprehensive retrospective study investigated the crucial role that mothers have in shaping the mental health of Syrian refugee children. Findings showed that maternal well-being is associated with their children’s psychological outcomes. Supporting maternal mental health is vital for improving child mental health in refugee contexts.
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Understanding the Mental Health Crisis Among Syrian Refugee Children and Adolescents in Lebanon
Syrian refugee children and adolescents living in informal settlements in Lebanon face immense challenges that significantly affect their mental health. This study delves into the prevalence and predictors of mental health problems in this population, offering critical insights for policymaking and intervention strategies.
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