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The role of peer support in recovery among individuals with schizophrenia
Author
Ou Yong, Shi Yun
Supervisor
Lee, Boon Ooi
Abstract
This study aims to determine the effects of peer support as a means of intervention for recovery in persons affected with schizophrenia in a local psychiatric rehabilitation cen-tre. A sample of 46 participants, with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, were randomised into one of three treatment conditions (peer support intervention, social skills interven-tion, wait-list group). All participants were assessed on their recovery, social function-ing, and perceived social support at four time points throughout the study, which in-cluded a one-month follow-up after the end of treatment. The counsellors of these par-ticipants also assessed their functioning levels throughout the study. The treatment groups (peer support, social skills training groups) had to undergo 18 sessions of their respective interventions, whilst the waitlist group only had to fill in the measures.
The results show there were no significant effects among the participants of the peer support group and the social skills group in their recovery, social functioning, and per-ceived social support, before and after their respective treatments.
The peer support programme was also not deemed to be more effective than the social skills group, and the waitlist condition in the participants’ recovery, social functioning, and perceived social support before and after the treatment.
However, there were significant effects for our exploratory question regarding whether the waitlist group would recover over time, in the areas of their recovery, and clinician-rated functioning levels. These findings are discussed, and directions for future research are recommended.
The results show there were no significant effects among the participants of the peer support group and the social skills group in their recovery, social functioning, and per-ceived social support, before and after their respective treatments.
The peer support programme was also not deemed to be more effective than the social skills group, and the waitlist condition in the participants’ recovery, social functioning, and perceived social support before and after the treatment.
However, there were significant effects for our exploratory question regarding whether the waitlist group would recover over time, in the areas of their recovery, and clinician-rated functioning levels. These findings are discussed, and directions for future research are recommended.
Date Issued
2017
Call Number
BF636.7.G76 Ow
Date Submitted
2017