Communities Organizing for Power through Empathy: Examining the Effects of a Community-Based Group Intervention on Stress, Relationships and Community Engagement

Background: Exposure to extreme weather causes not only material damage, but often also disrupts social networks and community structures. Neighborhoods with stronger ties have been shown to suffer fewer deaths and recover faster after disaster. Additionally, isolated individuals are less likely to participate in civic life. As climate-related disasters intensify, there is a growing need for evidence-based, multilevel interventions that address the conditions of individual mental health and social isolation that shape resilience.

The Communities Organizing for Power through Empathy (COPE) psychoeducational intervention, adapted from an intervention model that demonstrated sustained reductions in post-traumatic stress symptoms among hurricane survivors, integrates group process and interactive activities to strengthen coping skills, social support, and community connectedness. COPE is a three-workshop series that engages a cohort of participants in discussion and interactive activities, ideally implemented in the context of community institutions. In this study we examine how participation in the COPE intervention affects mental health, specifically perceived stress, depression and anxiety, and coping. Additionally, we explore how COPE affects relationships between individuals and community institutions.

Methods: Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, we examined the implementation and effectiveness of the COPE intervention. From 2023-2025, we conducted a pragmatic, stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial (SW-CRT) study of the COPE intervention, measuring perceived stress (PSS), depression and anxiety (DASS) as well as coping (CSES), social support (MSPSS) and community resilience (CART) at four timepoints. We examined change in mental health outcomes from baseline analyzing the full sample and controlling for arm assignment.

Findings: We found significant reductions in perceived stress (PSS), depression and anxiety (DASS) from baseline (T1) to T4 (one month post intervention) analyzing the full sample and controlling for arm assignment. Additionally, we found significant increase in problem solving dimension of coping self-efficacy (CSES) and family support (MSPSS). Findings were similar when analyzing arms separately.

Implications: Community-based interventions like COPE show promise for addressing the interconnected challenges of psychosocial distress and social isolation. The CBPR approach enhanced cultural relevance, trust, and implementation feasibility, offering a replicable model for integrating community engagement into intervention design and examination. Strategies for adapting and disseminating COPE and similar interventions across diverse communities facing increasing climate-related risks.