Research Snapshot: Strengthening social cohesion through psychosocial interventions in Myanmar

In Myanmar, the compounded impacts of civil war, displacement, and chronic underdevelopment have left communities with critical unmet mental health needs. In areas where professional mental healthcare remains out of reach, community-based psychosocial interventions offer a promising alternative. This project tested whether structured psychosocial support and group programmes could improve mental health and social cohesion.

The randomised study, in conflict-affected communities in Myanmar, evaluated two group interventions – one focused on developing psychosocial skills and the other on shared group activities. The psychological skills programme increased trust and emotional openness among participants and influenced their perceptions of local governance. Low levels of depression were found at both baseline and endline, despite evidence of significant hardship in this population. Context-specific tools may be needed to better understand mental health needs in Myanmar.