scholarly journals Merlynne

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (CHI PLAY) ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Tina Chan ◽  
Robert P. Gauthier ◽  
Ally Suarez ◽  
Nicholas F. Sia ◽  
James R. Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Serious Games ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Emotional Labour ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Design Challenges

Human-Computer Interaction researchers have explored how online communities can be leveraged for peer support, but general disinterest and a lack of engagement have emerged as substantial barriers to their use in practice. To address this gap, we designed Merlynne, a serious game that seeks to motivate individuals to support peers through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Our game explored use of the Proteus Effect - a phenomenon where players adopt characteristics of their in-game avatar - to motivate peer support through stereotyped 'helpful' and 'unhelpful' avatars. We then conducted a mixed-methods, exploratory study to investigate its design. We found that our game successfully motivated players to offer peer support, despite the substantial emotional labour required by CBT. However, we were not able to replicate the Proteus Effect, and did not find differences in that support based on a player's avatar. In reflecting on our findings, we discuss design challenges and considerations for the use of serious games to motivate participation in mental health support, including: fatigue, a player's need for self-expression and to relate to those they are supporting, and ludonarrative dissonance.

scholarly journals Mind Support: A Systematic Review of Online Peer Support Platforms

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28
Author(s):  
Noah Stapper ◽  
◽  
Gema Benavides Jimenez ◽  
Yasmin Barenco Abbas ◽  
Maya Homsy King ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Online Tools ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Trauma Informed ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Mental Health Foundation

Provision of mental healthcare is currently limited and not accessible to all those who require it. The nature of this gap in mental health support calls for a solution that is more accessible, affordable and personalized to prevent the exacerbation of mild mental health issues and to offer support as an adjunct to state of the art therapeutics. To this effect, the non-profit mental health foundation “Mind Support” has been set up, an online peer support platform. This paper analyses the approach and solutions offered by this platform for the growing gap in mental health support and demonstrates the benefits and limitations of online peer support in general. Online peer support as provided by “Mind Support” has the advantage of being anonymous and is free of charge making it accessible to everybody. At the same time, “Mind Support” reaps the benefits of traditional peer support options, such as having a more trauma-informed approach rather than an illness-focused one, aiding in the reduction of stigma and welcoming dialogue. The aim of this article is to stimulate the use of online tools to bridge the mental health support gap.

scholarly journals Is the Automation of Digital Mental Health Ethical? Applying an Ethical Framework to Chatbots for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Nunes Vilaza ◽  
Darragh McCashin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Ethical Framework ◽  
Conversational Agents ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
Mental Health Support

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the need for mental health support across the whole spectrum of the population. Where global demand outweighs the supply of mental health services, established interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have been adapted from traditional face-to-face interaction to technology-assisted formats. One such notable development is the emergence of Artificially Intelligent (AI) conversational agents for psychotherapy. Pre-pandemic, these adaptations had demonstrated some positive results; but they also generated debate due to a number of ethical and societal challenges. This article commences with a critical overview of both positive and negative aspects concerning the role of AI-CBT in its present form. Thereafter, an ethical framework is applied with reference to the themes of (1) beneficence, (2) non-maleficence, (3) autonomy, (4) justice, and (5) explicability. These themes are then discussed in terms of practical recommendations for future developments. Although automated versions of therapeutic support may be of appeal during times of global crises, ethical thinking should be at the core of AI-CBT design, in addition to guiding research, policy, and real-world implementation as the world considers post-COVID-19 society.

scholarly journals ThroughBlue: A support group for women affected by depression

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-63
Author(s):  
Trish McBride ◽  
Jane Fuller
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Australian Study ◽  
Therapeutic Value ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Way

Recent US research has validated the benefits and therapeutic value of peer support groups as a treatment component for depression, as has a 2008 Australian study of a women’s mental health support group. As facilitators working weekly with ThroughBlue, a support group of women who have experience of depression, we had already discovered the truth of their findings. This paper is a description of the way this Wellington group works, and may be of use to others looking to set up or facilitate similar groups elsewhere.

scholarly journals Standalone smartphone CBT-based Ecological Momentary Interventions to increase mental health - a narrative review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Anna Marciniak ◽  
Lilly Shanahan ◽  
Judith Rohde ◽  
Ava Schulz ◽  
Carolin Wackerhagen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Health Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Sample Characteristics ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Introduction: A growing number of psychological interventions are delivered via smartphone with the aim to increase the efficacy and effectiveness of these treatments and provide scalable access to interventions for improving mental health. Most of the scientifically tested apps are based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles which are considered as a gold standard for the treatment of many mental health problems.Objective: This review aimed to investigate standalone smartphone-based ‘ecological momentary interventions’ (EMIs) to improve mental health, that were built based on principles derived from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).Methods: We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and PubMed databases for peer-reviewed studies published between 1st January 2007 and 15th January 2020. We included studies with a focus on standalone app-based approaches to improve mental health and their feasibility, and/or efficacy and/or effectiveness. Both within- and between-group designs and studies with both healthy and clinical samples were included. Blended interventions, e.g., app-based treatments in combination with psychotherapy, were not included. Selected studies were evaluated in terms of their design, i.e., choice of the control condition, sample characteristics, EMI content, EMI delivery characteristics, feasibility, efficacy and effectiveness. The latter was defined in terms of improvement in primary outcomes used in the studies.Results: A total of 26 studies were selected. The results show that EMIs based on CBT principles can be successfully delivered, significantly increase well-being among users, and reduce mental health symptoms. Standalone EMIs were rated as helpful (m=70.8%), and outcomes were satisfying by users (m=72.6%). Conclusions: Study quality was heterogeneous, and feasibility was often not reported in the reviewed studies, hence limiting the conclusions that can be drawn from the existing data. Together, the studies show that EMIs may help increase mental health and thus support individuals in their daily life. Such EMIs provide readily available, scalable and evidence-based mental health support. These characteristics appear crucial in the context of a global crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but may also help reduce personal and economic costs of mental health impairment beyond this situation or in the context of potential future pandemics.

scholarly journals Addressing Mental Health Needs of Health Care Workers through Peer Support Groups During the COVID-19 Crisis

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanner Thornsberry ◽  
Jill Nault Connors ◽  
Julie Welch ◽  
Julie Hayden ◽  
Jennifer Hartwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Psychological Resources ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Impact

Background:  The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a high psychological burden on frontline healthcare workers. Often quarantined away from their families and with little downtime to process their experiences, those on the frontlines of the pandemic are experiencing pronounced levels of distress and significantly elevated rates of burnout. Although many wellness and psychological resources are available to providers, there is low uptake and little is known about their effectiveness. In this study, we assess the impact of group-based peer support sessions on symptoms of acute distress, anxiety and depression, and provider burn out.    Methods:  An established peer support model is adapted for use with groups of frontline healthcare workers that will participate in 6 to 8 weekly group sessions using videoconferences. The study approach is a phased feasibility to research design. During the feasibility phase, we will initially test the intervention in 3 groups of 8 providers using a quasi-experimental, pre- post analysis of change. If preliminary results are positive, we will scale the intervention and progress to a more rigorous study design using a differences-in-differences approach to assess change over time between exposure and non-exposure groups. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, intervention completion, and 3- and 6- month follow ups. During the feasibility phase we will assess intervention fidelity and conduct qualitative analysis to assess the effects of the pandemic on work, family and social life.     Results:  This is a work in progress. At present we have recruited 28 emergency medicine physicians and residents with a target start date of August 1, 2020.    Potential Impact:  We anticipate the results of this study will provide evidence in support of a recent call for “the use of non-clinical mental health support, such as social or peer support” from the American College of Emergency Physicians in conjunction with 42 leading professional organizations in medicine. In addition, results may lead to advocacy for improved policies that mitigate against “fear of resultant loss of licensure, loss of income, or other career setbacks” for seeking mental health support. 

scholarly journals It helps to talk: A guiding framework (TRUST) for peer support in delivering mental health care for adolescents living with HIV

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248018
Author(s):  
Carol Wogrin ◽  
Nicola Willis ◽  
Abigail Mutsinze ◽  
Silindweyinkosi Chinoda ◽  
Ruth Verhey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Living With Hiv

Introduction Adolescents living with HIV have poor treatment outcomes, including lower rates of viral suppression, than other age groups. Emerging evidence suggests a connection between improved mental health and increased adherence. Strengthening the focus on mental health could support increased rates of viral suppression. In sub-Saharan Africa clinical services for mental health care are extremely limited. Additional mechanisms are required to address the unmet mental health needs of this group. We consider the role that community-based peer supporters, a cadre operating at scale with adolescents, could play in the provision of lay-support for mental health. Methods We conducted qualitative research to explore the experiences of peer supporters involved in delivering a peer-led mental health intervention in Zimbabwe as part of a randomized control trial (Zvandiri-Friendship Bench trial). We conducted 2 focus group discussions towards the end of the trial with 20 peer supporters (aged 18–24) from across 10 intervention districts and audio recorded 200 of the peer supporters’ monthly case reviews. These data were thematically analysed to explore how peer supporters reflect on what was required of them given the problems that clients raised and what they themselves needed in delivering mental health support. Results A primary strength of the peer support model, reflected across the datasets, is that it enables adolescents to openly discuss their problems with peer supporters, confident that there is reciprocal trust and understanding derived from the similarity in their lived experiences with HIV. There are potential risks for peer supporters, including being overwhelmed by engaging with and feeling responsible for resolving relationally and structurally complex problems, which warrant considerable supervision. To support this cadre critical elements are needed: a clearly defined scope for the manageable provision of mental health support; a strong triage and referral system for complex cases; mechanisms to support the inclusion of caregivers; and sustained investment in training and ongoing supervision. Conclusion Extending peer support to explicitly include a focus on mental health has enormous potential. From this empirical study we have developed a framework of core considerations and principles (the TRUST Framework) to guide the implementation of adequate supportive infrastructure in place to enhance the opportunities and mitigate risks.

scholarly journals “Mental health support is like a secret society”: A qualitative study of the impact of peer support on women’s mental health treatment experiences during the perinatal period.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe Rice ◽  
Emma Ingram ◽  
Heather O’Mahen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health ◽  
Formal Support ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support

Abstract Background Perinatal mental health problems are prevalent, affecting up to 20% of women However, only 17–25% receive formal support during the perinatal period. In this qualitative study, we sought to examine women’s experiences with peer support for mental health problems during the perinatal period. Methods Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with twenty-five mothers from the UK who had utilised peer support for a perinatal mental health problem. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results Seven major themes were identified in women’s help seeking process and experience of peer support. These included; perinatal specific precipitating factors that contributed to their mental health problems, barriers in the form of unhelpful professional responses, feelings of isolation, acceptance of the problem and need to actively re-seek support, finding support either through luck or peer assistance. Conclusions Peer support showed promise as an effective means to reduce perinatal mental health difficulties; either as a form of formal support or as an adjunct to formal support. The results highlight ways to improve perinatal women’s access to mental health support through peer-based mechanisms.

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