Migration presents significant challenges to individual well-being, often increasing stress, loneliness, and mental health risks. Social self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to initiate and maintain social interactions—has been identified as a crucial resource for migrants’ psychological adaptation. This study examines the effectiveness of New in Town, an internet-based intervention designed to enhance social self-efficacy (primary outcome), general self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with life, and reduce loneliness (secondary outcomes) among Polish-speaking internal migrants in Poland.
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 158 adult internal migrants who had relocated within the past six months. Participants were assigned to either the New in Town intervention group or a waitlist control group. Based on cognitive-behavioral principles, the intervention consisted of eight modules and was assessed at baseline (Time 1) and three weeks later (Time 2). Findings indicate that intervention participants reported significantly higher general self-efficacy at Time 2 compared to controls. However, no significant effects were observed for social self-efficacy, social support, satisfaction with life, or loneliness.
These findings suggest that while internet-based interventions may help strengthen general self-efficacy, additional strategies are needed to address social adaptation challenges faced by internal migrants. As internal migration continues to shape modern societies, accessible interventions like New in Town can contribute to broader efforts in fostering well-being and social integration for those navigating relocation.