Efficacy of a peer-led group program for unemployed people with mental health problems: Pilot randomized controlled trial

Nicolas Rüsch, Tobias Staiger, Tamara Waldmann, Marie Christine Dekoj, Thorsten Brosch, Lisa Gabriel, Andreas Bahemann, Nathalie Oexle, Thomas Klein, Luise Nehf and Thomas Becker

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 2019, vol. 65, issue 4, 333-337

Abstract: Background: People with long-term unemployment and mental health problems often find it difficult to take active steps toward help-seeking and job search and to navigate the complex system of available services. Likewise, job center staff would welcome interventions to improve the reintegration of long-term unemployed individuals with mental health problems into the labor market. Aim: To examine the efficacy of a peer-led group program that supports unemployed people with mental health problems in terms of help-seeking, job search and recovery. Methods: Based on participatory research, a four-session group program was designed and evaluated in a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 42 participants, randomized to the program ( n  = 23) or treatment as usual ( n  = 19). Outcomes were assessed at baseline (T0), 3 weeks (T1), 6 weeks (T2) and 6 months later (T3). Results: There were no significant intervention effects on primary outcomes (job search self-efficacy and help-seeking). But compared to the control group, intervention participants showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms ( p  = .02) and recovery ( p  = .04) at T2 with medium effect sizes. There were trend-level positive program effects on self-stigma, hopelessness and secrecy. Conclusion: This pilot RCT provides initial evidence for the efficacy of a peer-led group program to improve symptoms and recovery among unemployed participants with mental health problems.

Keywords: Unemployment; mental health problems; peer-led intervention; group program; recovery; job search (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:65:y:2019:i:4:p:333-337

DOI: 10.1177/0020764019846171

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