Abstract
BackgroundSocial connections have been linked to the genesis and amelioration of mental health problems and thus have potential therapeutic value.PurposeTo identify the current evidence base, assess risk of bias and synthesise findings on the effectiveness of social network interventions for people with mental health problems.MethodsElectronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus) and grey literature databases were systematically searched from inception to October 2021 using free text syntax combining synonyms for ‘mental health problems’ and ‘social network interventions’. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they reported data from randomised controlled trials on the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve social networks for adults (18+) with mental health problems. Papers were independently reviewed for inclusion with conflicts resolved through consensus. Included papers were quality assessed and data extracted and synthesized narratively. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.ResultsNine studies randomising 2226 participants were included. Four focused on those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychosis, one on major depressive disorder and four included all types of mental health diagnoses. The current evidence base is of unclear quality. However, interventions which focused on supporting social activities appear to hold the most promise for enhancing social networks. Data on cost-effectiveness and research acceptability were limited, but suggest the potential economic feasibility of and acceptability for evaluating these interventions.ConclusionThere is emerging evidence that social network interventions can be effective in improving social connections for people with mental health problems. However, further evaluations with robust methodological approaches are required to inform evidence-based recommendations for health services.
Highlights
Mental health problems commonly occur with estimated lifetime prevalence rates of between 18 and 36% [1]
A person’s social network constitutes the set of connections which have the capacity to link people to relationships and resources, and can aid, restrict and reshape the way in which mental health problems are managed [6]. These connections can take a variety of configurations covering the broad range of people, non-human agents, places, things and activities which may be involved in the everyday management of mental health problems [6, 7]
The main reasons for exclusion were interventions not being designed with an explicit focus to improve social networks, non-mental health populations and non-randomised controlled trials (RCT) designs (Fig. 1)
Summary
Mental health problems commonly occur with estimated lifetime prevalence rates of between 18 and 36% [1]. A person’s social network constitutes the set of connections which have the capacity to link people to relationships and resources, and can aid, restrict and reshape the way in which mental health problems are managed [6]. Increased connectivity is linked to the provision of social support, interpersonal contact and the mobilisation of resources [8] which acts to buffer stress through the provision of functional support as well as enhancing individual coping strategies [9]. Purpose To identify the current evidence base, assess risk of bias and synthesise findings on the effectiveness of social network interventions for people with mental health problems. Conclusion There is emerging evidence that social network interventions can be effective in improving social connections for people with mental health problems. Further evaluations with robust methodological approaches are required to inform evidence-based recommendations for health services
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