CONCEPTUAL VISION:

Forced migration, whether due to war, persecution, or historical events like slavery, has profound and lasting impacts on mental health. Studies have established a link between disruptions in neural activity and interpersonal dysfunction in individuals with depression (Javanbakht & Grasser 2022). Neural mechanisms, particularly those involving the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, play a crucial role in regulating emotions and social behaviors. Dysfunctions in these neural circuits can lead to impaired social interactions and difficulties in maintaining relationships, exacerbating symptoms of depression.

Additionally, depression can manifest as criminality among descendants of populations who experienced forced migration. This is due to the compounded effects of historical trauma and socio-economic disparities that perpetuate cycles of mental health issues and behavioral dysfunctions across generations. Sampson & Laub (1993) provide evidence that socio-environmental factors, such as community disorganization and poverty, significantly contribute to criminal behavior, further linking these factors to the historical context of forced migration.

This focus on criminality, depression, and forced migration originated from discussions within our interdisciplinary team, which includes mental health practitioners, researchers, neuroscientists, AI experts, and individuals with lived experience. During our meetings, we identified the critical need for culturally relevant scalable digital mental health interventions that address the unique challenges faced by diasporic communities. Our focus on forced migration and its intergenerational impact is grounded in qualitative research, empirical evidence, and the lived experiences of our team members.

One unique insight from our discussions is the recognition that traditional mental health interventions often fail to account for the socio-historical contexts of diasporic communities. Similar to Isabel Wilkerson's work in categorizing the eight pillars of caste, we seek to quantify and codify the pillars of diasporic depression that impact intergenerational descendants. This model can be replicated across all communities, including Jewish and other groups, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the specific mental health challenges of each community. Some pillars we are curious to explore include tribalism, collective victimhood, mistrust of systems, etc.

Initially, however, our focus is on African and African American diasporic communities, specifically examining the Africa to America connection. Unlike other migrant communities in the United States that have received some form of national apology or reparations, such as Japanese Americans interned during World War II, African Americans have not seen a formal mandate addressing the initial trauma of enslavement and systemic racism. Although there has been some acknowledgement and isolated effort toward redress, the lack of a cohesive, consistent political approach regarding the African American experience has perpetuated a state of disenfranchisement and socio-economic marginalization among African Americans (Bell, 2004). Research indicates that this persistent lack of systemic redress contributes to ongoing feelings of alienation and disenfranchisement (M. R. Banaji, S. T. Fiske, & D. S. Massey, 2020).

Porter and Haslam (2005) conducted a meta-analysis that revealed significantly higher rates of depression among refugees and internally displaced persons. The trauma of forced migration, compounded by the loss of social support networks, exposure to violence, and socioeconomic instability, leads to long-term psychological effects that span generations. This intergenerational trauma is a critical factor in understanding the mental health challenges faced by diasporic communities. Sampson and Laub (1993) provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how these disruptions, including cultural dislocation, influence the development of criminal behaviors. Interventions that focus on rebuilding social support networks and providing stable socioeconomic environments are crucial in mitigating these adverse outcomes.

Cultural continuity and collective healing practices have been shown to be effective in improving mental health outcomes and reducing criminality within diasporic communities. Gone (2013) emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant mental health treatments, demonstrating that community-based cultural practices can significantly enhance mental health and resilience. Studies focused on African diasporic communities, such as those by Chandler and Lalonde (2008), Williams and Williams-Morris (2000) and Leath, S., Mathews, C., Harrison, A., & Chavous, T. (2019), highlight how cultural continuity and collective practices act as protective factors against mental health issues.

Our approach utilizes computational neuroscience to develop predictive models that can accurately forecast onset and progression of behavioral and interpersonal dysfunctions from childhood. Friston et al. (2014) discuss the application of computational models in psychiatry, emphasizing their potential in understanding the underlying mechanisms of psychiatric symptoms. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, we aim to analyze neural, heart rate variability, and socio-environmental data to identify patterns and predict mental health outcomes.

With a keen understanding that future incarceration rates can be predicted by third-grade reading levels, we recognize that computational models must analyze children and students between the ages of 8-12. Research by Hernandez (2011) and supported by Annie E. Casey Foundation (2010) underscores the strong correlation between early reading proficiency and future academic and social outcomes, indicating that early interventions are crucial.

The most compelling aspect of this endeavor lies in the digitization of a unique healing modality developed by one of our team members, currently utilized in post-conflict regions. This modality integrates breathwork techniques, psychotherapy, and community-centered rituals and experiences, offering a holistic approach to healing. It has already reached thousands of adults and students in these regions, demonstrating remarkable outcomes: 79% of clients are now free from depression, 77% have experienced reduced anxiety, 38% have shown a decrease in PTSD symptoms, there has been a 75% reduction in lost workdays, and a 96% decrease in school dropouts among children.

The digitized version of this intervention will be transformed into a commercial mobile application, set to be piloted with a diverse and globally representative user base. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures that this digital intervention is not only scientifically robust but also culturally attuned, providing a comprehensive strategy to alleviate the long-term mental health impacts of forced migration across generations.