Evaluation of a Ready4LifeProgram for US Refugee and Immigrant Youth

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a relationship enhancement program on 4 outcome measures: (1) communication skills; (2) conflict resolution/conflict management, and problem-solving skills; (3) healthy relationship and marriage skills; and (4) progress towards greater economic stability. Methods: Refugee and immigrant youth (N = 341) were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a comparison group. Intervention participants received a 16-hour relationship enhancement (RE) program developed for refugee populations. In addition to the RE program, intervention participants also received case management. Participants in the comparison group only received case management. All participants, intervention and control, completed self-report questionnaires prior to the beginning of the program. Intervention youth participated in the RE program. All participants completed a posttest questionnaire at the end of the program, and again 6 months after the end of the program. Results: Intervention participants made statistically significant improvements from pretest to 6-month follow-up (p < .05) compared to control participants for 3 of the 4 outcome variables. Conclusion: These results indicate the positive impact of an RE program on refugee and immigrant youth. Future researchers should consider including specific health programming as part of the intervention and also examine health behavior and other direct health outcomes.