A peer-based mentoring program for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms among college students: A preliminary...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Education

Background:

• College students frequently experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
• University campuses are critical settings for early intervention.
• Peer support programs are increasingly explored as accessible mental health resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a peer-based mentoring program for college students with mental health concerns.
• To conduct an initial evaluation of the program's effectiveness in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• To determine if peer mentoring is a viable support strategy in a university setting.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 32 undergraduate students exhibiting moderate depression or anxiety.
• Participants were assigned to either a peer mentoring intervention group (weekly sessions for four weeks) or a waitlist control group.
• Symptom severity for depression and anxiety was measured using pre- and post-treatment surveys.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in depression symptoms post-treatment compared to the control group.
• The peer mentoring program was found to be feasible and acceptable among participants.
• Preliminary evidence suggests a positive impact on mental health outcomes for students receiving peer support.

Conclusions:

• Peer-based mentoring programs show promise as an effective intervention for addressing mental health problems on college campuses.
• These findings support the integration of peer support into university mental health services.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and scalability of such programs.