This systematic review (SLR) evaluated the effectiveness of interventions aimed at enhancing psychosocial well-being and empowerment (PWE) for women affected by gender-based violence (GBV). Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, studies were systematically analyzed from Scopus and Web of Science, published between 2018 and 15 January 2024. The PICO framework guided inclusion criteria: (P) women affected by GBV, (I) interventions to enhance PWE, (C) comparison between initial and final intervention phases, and (O) assessed outcomes related to PWE. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools assessed the risk of bias, while the GRADE system evaluated evidence quality. Thirteen studies involving 1,813 participants met the inclusion criteria. The experimental groups demonstrated significant improvements, including reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD, and increased resilience, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, counseling, and expressive therapies emerged as the most effective strategies. This review highlights the positive impact of targeted interventions on PWE among women affected by GBV. Nonetheless, limitations such as small sample sizes, methodological quality, and geographical diversity indicate the need for larger, culturally sensitive studies. These findings inform future intervention development and stress the importance of integrating structured and evidence-based interventions into health and social policies to enhance PWE for women impacted by GBV. Culturally adapted approaches are recommended to maximize their effectiveness. This SLR is registered with CRD42024514325. Madalena Cruz is a research fellow of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) of Portugal.
Cruz et al. (Wed,) studied this question.