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Internet peer support for individuals with psychiatric disabilities: A randomized controlled trial
Katy Kaplan1, Mark S Salzer, Phyllis Solomon
1Temple University, PA 19122, USA.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|November 30, 2010
Summary
Online peer support groups for mental illness did not improve well-being. Increased participation in these internet forums correlated with higher distress levels for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Digital Health Interventions
- Psychiatric Support Systems
Background:
- Internet support groups are common for individuals with mental illnesses.
- The benefits and harms of participating in these online groups are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the impact of unmoderated, unstructured Internet peer support on the well-being of individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
- To assess if online peer support enhances recovery, quality of life, empowerment, social support, or reduces distress.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 300 individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum or Affective Disorders.
- Participants were assigned to an Internet peer support group (listserv or bulletin board) or a control condition.
- Well-being was assessed at baseline, 4 months, and 12 months post-baseline.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in main outcomes were found between the Internet peer support groups and the control condition.
- Higher participation in Internet peer support was associated with increased psychological distress (p=0.03).
- More positive experiences with online peer support also correlated with higher psychological distress (p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Current findings do not support the hypothesis that participation in unmoderated, unstructured Internet peer support enhances well-being for individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
- Counterintuitive results suggest a need for further research into the structure, format, content, and quality of online peer interactions.
- Future research should inform guidelines for safe and beneficial use of online mental health resources.
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