A 2024 study led by UNSW Sydney researchers found that a self-help workbook combined with brief phone support improved mental health outcomes for Afghan refugees in Indonesia. The study evaluated the World Health Organization program titled "Doing What Matters in Times of Stress."

The trial included 303 Farsi-speaking Afghan refugees residing in Indonesia. Participants received an illustrated workbook in their native language along with five brief phone calls from facilitators who were also members of the refugee community. The intervention draws on acceptance and commitment therapy, which assists individuals in managing thoughts and emotions during unchangeable stressful situations.

Participants in the intervention group demonstrated greater mental health improvements compared to those in a control group. These participants reported reductions in psychological distress and post-traumatic stress symptoms, along with improvements in well-being, social functioning, and daily life. At a one-month follow-up, approximately 50 percent of the intervention group showed meaningful improvement or recovery, while about 30 percent of the control group did.

The control group also exhibited improvement during the trial, which researchers attributed to regular contact with trained assessors who practiced empathic listening. The research team included members from UNSW Sydney, the University of Newcastle, and the University of Melbourne. They partnered with various organizations, including Refugee Learning Nest, SUAKA, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and HOST International.

Angela Nickerson, a clinical psychologist and Director of the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program at UNSW, said, "People are often living in prolonged limbo, without stable rights, work or support, sometimes for over a decade." She added, "Working closely with refugee communities and local partner organisations was central to the project." Philippa Specker, a clinical psychologist and UNSW researcher, stated, "It was effective in reducing psychological distress and PTSD symptoms, as well as improving wellbeing and overall daily functioning, for refugees living in a transit country." Specker added, "This not only overcomes some of the difficulties with resources, but it also builds capacity within refugee communities."

Indonesia currently hosts approximately 12,000 refugees. More than three-quarters of forcibly displaced people worldwide reside in lower- and middle-income countries. The estimated rate of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression among refugees and asylum seekers is 31.5 percent. In 2024, one out of every 67 people globally was forcibly displaced. The research team is now working with Indonesian and regional partners to share their findings for broader implementation of low-cost mental health programs.