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Article
Publication date: 20 May 2022

Cecilia M. Votta and Patricia J. Deldin

The purpose of this paper is to test a mental wellness intervention, Mood Lifters (ML), that addresses significant barriers to mental health care. ML includes adults over 18…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test a mental wellness intervention, Mood Lifters (ML), that addresses significant barriers to mental health care. ML includes adults over 18 struggling with mental wellness or any life difficulties, except those with active suicidality, mania and psychosis, and addresses barriers to care using peer leaders in a manualized group format with a gamified point system.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were recruited using online postings. Those eligible (76% female, 80% white) were randomly assigned to professional-led groups (N = 30), peer-led groups (N = 33) or a waitlist (N = 22; i.e. attended assigned condition if available). Participants completed pre- and postgroup measures (including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Perceived Stress Scale), attended 15 weekly meetings and tracked “points” or at-home skills practice. Multiple imputation was used to account for attrition. Linear regressions were analyzed to determine the program’s impact on anxiety and depressive symptoms and perceived stress. Further analyses included comparisons between peer- and professional-led groups.

Findings

Participants in ML experienced significant reductions in anxiety symptoms. Completing more homework across the program led to significant reductions in anxiety and perceived stress. Finally, there were no significant differences in attendance, homework completed or outcomes between peer- and professional-led groups.

Practical implications

Overall, participation in the ML program led to reduced anxiety symptoms, and for those who completed more homework, reduced perceived stress. More accessible programs can make a significant impact on symptoms and are critical to address the overburdened care system. Additionally, there were no differences between leader types indicating that peers may be an effective way to address accessibility concerns.

Originality/value

ML is unique for three reasons: it takes a biopsychosocial/Research Domain Criteria approach to mental wellness (i.e. incorporates many areas relevant to mental health, does not focus on a specific diagnosis), overcomes major barriers to mental health care and uses a peer-delivery model. These attributes, taken together with the results of this study, present a care alternative for those with less access.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

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Article
Publication date: 17 October 2023

Elena Lauren Pokowitz, Cassandra Menzies, Cecilia Votta, Haonan Ye, Lisa O’Donnell and Patricia Deldin

Bipolar disorder is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes, and therefore, it is crucial to research and develop effective interventions for this population…

69

Abstract

Purpose

Bipolar disorder is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes, and therefore, it is crucial to research and develop effective interventions for this population (Grande et al., 2016). Unfortunately, research on the efficacy of current interventions shows only small improvements in symptoms and quality of life (Oud et al., 2016). Additionally, individuals with bipolar disorder face barriers to accessing care like social stigma, isolation and financial constraints (Blixen et al., 2016). This paper aims to introduce and examine the effectiveness of an accessible, peer-led group program, Mood Lifters (Votta and Deldin, 2022), in those who completed the program and also self-reported a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

Mood Lifters is a 15-week, peer-led group program that approaches mental wellness from a biopsychosocial framework using strategies from a variety of evidence-based treatment methods (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, etc.). Participants meet once a week for 1 hour to review various mental health topics, including behavioral changes and insight into mood patterns. Individuals who participated in nonacademic groups in a company setting and self-reported a bipolar diagnosis were surveyed at the beginning and end of their program to measure various aspects of psychological functioning.

Findings

Results suggest that these individuals experienced significant improvements in depression, anxiety, social functioning and perceived stress, along with flourishing and positive and negative affect.

Originality/value

These findings are promising, given that bipolar disorder is historically difficult to treat (Grande et al., 2016). Based on this preliminary evidence, the authors have developed a Mood Lifters program specifically for individuals with bipolar disorder and are launching a randomized control clinical trial.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

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