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Table 1 Mechanisms of action of Group PM+ intervention

From: Protocol for a feasibility study of group-based focused psychosocial support to improve the psychosocial well-being and functioning of adults affected by humanitarian crises in Nepal: Group Problem Management Plus (PM+)

PM+ mechanisms of action

Description of mechanism

Implementation of mechanism

Stress management

Participants learn deep breathing. They are encouraged to incorporate this mechanism into daily life (i.e., when doing housework, walking, etc.). Grounding techniques are incorporated to bring participants back to the present.

Session 1

Behavioral activation

Participants review the inactivity cycle. They choose a small activity that they enjoy doing (i.e., making and drinking tea, meeting a friend, etc.) and create a detailed plan about when and how to conduct this activity as a first step in breaking the inactivity cycle.

Session 2

Managing problems

Participants learn which of their problems are solvable and which are unsolvable. One problem is chosen among the solvable problems, and participants brainstorm tangible solutions, then creating manageable steps to accomplish their goals.

Session 3

Strengthening social support

Participants learn to recognize who among their family and friends are existing and potential sources of support and how best to strengthen connections with them. Social network mapping activities are incorporated in this mechanism.

Session 4

  1. Note: The first four sessions of PM+ each addresses a specific mechanism of action. The fifth and last session is a review of the mechanisms of actions learned in the previous sessions