Strengthening Parenting Among Refugees in Europe (SPARE): Feasibility of an Adapted Parenting Intervention for Ukrainian Refugees in Iceland.

In recent years, the flow of refugees has grown considerably due to increasing upheaval worldwide. Host countries can help mitigate adjustment problems for refugee families by offering evidence-based support programs. The Strengthening Parenting Among Refugees in Europe (SPARE) program builds on and adapts the intervention Generation Parent Management Training-Oregon Model (GenerationPMTO). SPARE supports parents in their parenting role and helps them adapt to a new cultural environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of the intervention on Ukrainian refugee parents in Iceland. The adaptations address trauma, culture, and context. A total of 14 families participated, with 22 children up to 18 years old. Parents attended SPARE parent group sessions for 12 weeks and completed questionnaires before and after the program, as well as at the end of each session. Additionally, participants were asked to share their views and experiences in a focus group interview. Participants found SPARE to be feasible for Ukrainian refugees in Iceland; they were satisfied with the program and reported that it had a positive impact on their families. These findings are consistent with those of previous feasibility studies regarding SPARE in Europe, providing more support for continued research and development. SPARE may be an important resource for refugee-hosting countries to offer Ukrainian refugee families to cope with trauma and adjust to new surroundings.