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

Author

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

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolas Rüsch & Tobias Staiger & Tamara Waldmann & Marie Christine Dekoj & Thorsten Brosch & Lisa Gabriel & Andreas Bahemann & Nathalie Oexle & Thomas Klein & Luise Nehf & Thomas Becker, 2019. "Efficacy of a peer-led group program for unemployed people with mental health problems: Pilot randomized controlled trial," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 65(4), pages 333-337, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:65:y:2019:i:4:p:333-337
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764019846171
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oschmiansky, Frank & Popp, Sandra & Riedel-Heller, Steffi & Schwarzbach, Michaela & Gühne, Uta & Kupka, Peter, 2017. "Psychisch Kranke im SGB II: Situation und Betreuung," IAB-Forschungsbericht 201714, Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB), Nürnberg [Institute for Employment Research, Nuremberg, Germany].
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    Cited by:

    1. Karsten Ingmar Paul & Alfons Hollederer, 2023. "The Effectiveness of Health-Oriented Interventions and Health Promotion for Unemployed People—A Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-19, June.

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