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Background <p>Peer support has emerged as a component of mental healthcare, offering person-centered, recovery-oriented care for persons with mental illness. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness of group-based peer support interventions for persons with mental illness.</p> Methods <p>Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest (2000–2024) using terms including “peer support”, “mental illness”, and “group interventions”. Included studies were RCTs and pilot RCT studies, and facilitated in-person, group-delivered peer support. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data were extracted on intervention characteristics, outcomes (e.g., recovery, symptom reduction), and effect sizes. Data were synthesized through a systematic review process, involving thematic analysis and structured summarization of findings across studies.</p> Results <p>The review included 12 RCTs, evaluating group-based peer support interventions. Interventions were categorised as psychoeducation, recovery-oriented, skills training, and anti-stigma. Findings demonstrated improvements in recovery outcomes (mean difference = 2.99, <i>p</i> = 0.02), reductions in psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression SMD = − 0.57, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), and increased empowerment scores (MD = 0.154, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.005). Peer support also showed promise in reducing rehospitalization rates (MD = − 10.66&#xa0;days, <i>p</i> = 0.005) and enhancing social connectedness. However, effects varied by intervention structure, with manualized programs showing stronger symptom reduction, while flexible peer-led approaches improved social outcomes. Notably, 78% of studies reported high engagement (≥ 70% attendance), though gender imbalances (62% female participants) may limit generalizability.</p> Conclusion <p>Peer Support is a valuable component of mental health care. However, further research is important to understand its effectiveness and to develop evidence-based interventions for its implementation.</p>

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Effectiveness of Peer Support Group Interventions for Persons with Mental Illness: A Systematic Review

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月28日

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  • Venkatesh Kundurthi,
  • Shanivaram K Reddy,
  • Aarti Jagannathan,
  • Nirmala Berigai Parthasarathy,
  • L Ponnuchamy

摘要

Background

Peer support has emerged as a component of mental healthcare, offering person-centered, recovery-oriented care for persons with mental illness. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the effectiveness of group-based peer support interventions for persons with mental illness.

Methods

Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest (2000–2024) using terms including “peer support”, “mental illness”, and “group interventions”. Included studies were RCTs and pilot RCT studies, and facilitated in-person, group-delivered peer support. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data were extracted on intervention characteristics, outcomes (e.g., recovery, symptom reduction), and effect sizes. Data were synthesized through a systematic review process, involving thematic analysis and structured summarization of findings across studies.

Results

The review included 12 RCTs, evaluating group-based peer support interventions. Interventions were categorised as psychoeducation, recovery-oriented, skills training, and anti-stigma. Findings demonstrated improvements in recovery outcomes (mean difference = 2.99, p = 0.02), reductions in psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression SMD = − 0.57, p < 0.05), and increased empowerment scores (MD = 0.154, p < 0.005). Peer support also showed promise in reducing rehospitalization rates (MD = − 10.66 days, p = 0.005) and enhancing social connectedness. However, effects varied by intervention structure, with manualized programs showing stronger symptom reduction, while flexible peer-led approaches improved social outcomes. Notably, 78% of studies reported high engagement (≥ 70% attendance), though gender imbalances (62% female participants) may limit generalizability.

Conclusion

Peer Support is a valuable component of mental health care. However, further research is important to understand its effectiveness and to develop evidence-based interventions for its implementation.