Peer-led Support Groups Research Articles

Trans-cending Parenthood: Lived Experiences of Parents Raising Transgender and Gender Expansive Children

This Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study, informed by the application of queer theory, examined eleven parents’ narratives about raising Transgender and Gender Expansive (TGE) children. The subjective experiences of these parents’ transcendence into parenting a TGE child informed one superordinate theme, the impact of living in a conventional society on the unique parenting experiences of raising TGE children. Evoked by the superordinate theme, the subtheme socio-cultural-political influences, encompasses preconceived ideas and assumptions experienced by each parent as they navigate raising a TGE child within a conventional society. Other subthemes include internalizing cishet norms and safety concerns, cishet language and cognitions on gender, and protective feelings and reactions to family and community judgments which demonstrate the multiple realities of each participant. The final subtheme, peer-led play support group, embodies these parents’ involvement in an affirming space. This data, and the meaning made from it, align with the realities of each participant and their experiences as a collective to inform this paper, which concludes with implications for supporting parents of TGE children and considerations for future research.

A Qualitative Program Evaluation of a Digital Peer Support Group for Formerly Incarcerated People

Abstract: Objectives: A qualitative program evaluation of the Formerly Incarcerated Peer Support (FIPS) group, a peer-led mutual support group for formerly incarcerated people, was conducted to understand participant perceptions of (1) digital delivery via Zoom, (2) curriculum content, (3) roles of group participants, and (4) therapeutic value of FIPS group as it relates to traumatic experiences in prison and ongoing challenges after release. Methods: Using a community-based participatory action research approach, a qualitative evaluation was conducted with participants in either the 2020 or 2021 curriculum. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom, transcribed, de-identified, coded, and analyzed via applied thematic analysis and results reviewed with participants. Results: Of 75 formerly incarcerated participants, 20 interviews were conducted and recorded ( n = 20). All participants were male, 85% were Black, and the average age was 54.8 years old. Zoom delivery was not preferred, but feasible. Most appreciated the comprehensive and holistic curriculum that enabled peers to gain practical and emotional social support in different areas of life after release. The facilitator’s experience with prison programs and relationships within peer networks was essential for recruitment and retention. Participants described (1) feelings of acceptance, (2) examples of teaching and learning from peers’ improved insight, trigger management, response modification to stressors, and (3) improved understanding within relationships with those who have not been incarcerated. Conclusions: Digital delivery of peer-led psychosocial support groups for formerly incarcerated people is feasible and impactful. Future research can further characterize the lingering impacts of institutional traumas and quantify changes.

Striving to support the supporters: A mixed methods evaluation of the strive support groups for caregivers of individuals with an eating disorder.

This mixed-methods study evaluated a peer-led support group for ED caregivers; the Eating Disorders Families Australia strive support groups. Quantitatively, 110 past or current strive attendees completed an online survey assessing their own and their care recipients' demographic profiles, strive's impact on caregiving experiences, and caregivers' psychological distress, burden, caregiving skills and self-efficacy. Qualitative assessment comprised open-ended survey questions about caregivers' strive experiences, reinforced by in-depth focus group assessment of nine participants. Quantitative analyses revealed that participants felt more confident and supported, and less isolated in their caregiving since attending strive. Caregivers displayed mid-range psychological distress and caregiver burden, and moderate caregiver skills and self-efficacy. Qualitatively, the most helpful aspects of strive were the shared experience among participants, education, and support. The most difficult elements were emotional distress and overly dominant members. Reflections discussed the necessity of caregiver support and factors impacting strive attendance. Participants recommended resuming face-to-face contact and differentiating groups based on participant characteristics (e.g. care recipients' age/stage of illness). The current findings provide support for the importance and overall positive contribution of support groups led by caregivers, such as strive.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) peer-led support group: an audit

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) peer-led support group: an audit

Letter to the Editor: Extending the Reach of Peer-Led Support Groups via Telehealth.

Letter to the Editor: Extending the Reach of Peer-Led Support Groups via Telehealth.

Factors associated with postpartum depression among high-risk women during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on multi-level factors associated with depression among a high-risk sample of postpartum women using longitudinal data collected at two timepoints. High-risk postpartum participants in the United States were recruited to participate in a parent study focused on mitigating risk of cardiometabolic disease in postpartum women. Individuals completed a baseline survey which included the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) at 6-weeks postpartum between 2017 through 2019. A modified survey with the inclusion of selected questions from the Coronavirus Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) questionnaire was administered again during the first 6-months of the COVID-19 pandemic and individuals who completed both the baseline assessment and the COVID-19 assessment were included for analyses (n = 46). Multivariate models were run to investigate the impacts of individual-, interpersonal-, and structural-level factors on change in EPDS scores across the postpartum period. Findings suggest that losing contact with social supports (β = 4.5, SE = 1.9, p = .02) and individuals who reported a total household income of less than $75,000 (β = 3.4, SE = 1.7, p = .05) were more likely to report significantly worsening postpartum depression scores compared to others. Recommendations to mitigate the stressors that have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting mental health disparities include screening all high-risk postpartum women for depression and anxiety during both postpartum and pediatric healthcare visits, providing informational flyers with tips related to healthy coping behaviors and free/affordable community resources, and linking individuals to peer-led support groups.

Stigma, depression, quality of life, and the need for psychosocial support among people with tuberculosis in Indonesia: A multi-site cross-sectional study.

Stigma towards people with tuberculosis (TB-Stigma) is associated with other psychosocial consequences of TB including mental illness and reduced quality of life (QoL). We evaluated TB-Stigma, depression, QoL, and the need for psychosocial support among adults with TB in Indonesia, a high TB burden country. In this primary health facility-based survey in seven provinces of Indonesia, from February to November 2022, we interviewed adults receiving (a) intensive phase treatment for drug-susceptible (DS) TB at public facilities, (b) treatment at private facilities, (c) those lost to follow up (LTFU) to treatment, and (d) those receiving TB retreatment. We used our previously validated Indonesian TB-Stigma Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and EQ-5D-5L to measure TB-Stigma, depression, and QoL. Additional questions assessed what psychosocial support was received or needed by participants. We recruited and interviewed 612 people, of whom 60.6% (96%CI 59.6-64.5%) experienced moderate TB-Stigma. The average TB-Stigma scores were 19.0 (SD 6.9; min-max 0-50; Form A-Patient Perspective) and 23.4 (SD 8.4, min-max 0-50; Form B-Community Perspective). The scores were higher among people receiving treatment at private facilities (adjusted B [aB] 2.48; 0.94-4.03), those LTFU (aB 2.86; 0.85-4.87), males (aB 1.73; 0.59-2.87), those losing or changing job due to TB (aB 2.09; 0.31-3.88) and those living in a rural area (aB 1.41; 0.19-2.63). Depression was identified in 41.5% (95% CI 37.7-45.3%) of participants. Experiencing TB-Stigma was associated with moderately severe to severe depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.23; 1.15-1.32) and both stigma and depression were associated with lower QoL (aB -0.013; [-0.016]-[-0.010]). Informational (20.8%), emotional (25.9%) and instrumental (10.6%) support received from peers or peer-groups was limited, and unmet need for such support was high. There is a sizeable and intersecting burden of TB-Stigma and depression among adults with TB in Indonesia, which is associated with lower QoL. Participants reported a substantial unmet need for psychosocial support including peer-led mutual support groups. A community-based peer-led psychosocial support intervention is critical to defray the psychosocial impact of TB in Indonesia.

Navigating Love and Marriage: Cultural Factors, Attitudinal Shifts, Challenges, and Implications for Chinese College Students

This review examines the attitudes towards love, marriage, and relationship challenges among Chinese college students. It explores the cultural factors shaping these attitudes, the changes in attitudes across generations, and the challenges faced by students in their romantic relationships. The comment also discusses the implications for education programs in supporting Chinese college students in their pursuit of healthy and fulfilling relationships. The findings highlight the influence of traditional cultural values, the impact of globalization and individualism, and the role of technology in shaping attitudes and experiences. This comment suggests the need for relationship education, addressing gender roles, providing counseling and support services, and fostering a supportive campus culture. It also discusses effective interventions and programs, such as mindfulness-based interventions, positive psychology interventions, online relationship education programs, peer-led support groups, and relationship coaching. The limitations and gaps in the literature are acknowledged, calling for further research to explore the experiences and attitudes of diverse populations. Overall, understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by Chinese college students can contribute to their well-being and the development of healthy relationships.

A systematic review of peer support interventions for student mental health and well-being in higher education.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are seeking effective ways to address the rising demand for student mental health services. Peer support is widely considered a viable option to increase service capacity; however, there are no agreed definitions of peer support, making it difficult to establish its impact on student mental health and well-being. This systematic review aims to better understand and evaluate peer support in HEIs. Five databases, OpenGrey and Grey Matters were searched in May 2021. Included studies were quantitative, longitudinal (with and without a control) or cross-sectional with a control. The vote-counting method was used for synthesis. The risk of bias was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Three types of peer support were represented in 28 papers: peer-led support groups, peer mentoring and peer learning. Peer learning and peer mentoring had more positive, significant results reported for the outcomes of anxiety and stress. Peer-led support groups were the only type targeting students with mental health difficulties. The heterogeneity of measures and outcomes prevents firm conclusions on the effectiveness of peer support for mental health and well-being. Most studies were rated 'poor' or 'fair' in their risk of bias. There is not a solid evidence base for the effectiveness of peer support. Nonetheless, HEIs can use the terminology developed in this review for shared discussions that guide more robust research and evaluation of peer support as an intervention.

INNV-34. A NOVEL APPROACH TO ADDRESSING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT (AYA) BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS: A FRAMEWORK FOR A VIRTUAL PEER-LED YOUNG ADULT SUPPORT GROUP

Abstract INTRODUCTION Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients (age 15-39) constitute 14.3% of new brain tumor diagnoses annually. While navigating cognitive and physical challenges from their tumor, these patients are also pursuing social independence, education, careers, relationships, and family planning. These patients have unique, and often unmet, psychosocial needs compared to older patients, requiring a new approach for comprehensive care. METHODS Three YA neuro-oncology patients from UCSF volunteered to facilitate a monthly virtual support group. Facilitators were trained in peer support mentorship and support group facilitation by a licensed psychologist. A program planning committee consisted of: a social worker, nurse practitioner, program manager, communications specialist, two neuro-oncologists, and the peer facilitators. Promotion was done through flyers, the UCSF and ABTA websites, and word-of-mouth. Feedback was collected via anonymous survey and informal discussions, and the planning committee met monthly to adapt to evolving group needs. Participants used a video chat app to stay connected between meetings. RESULTS Over one year, 73 patients registered, and 40 total participated (average 15/session). Participant age range was 19–44, and age at diagnosis was 10–43. From 19 survey responses, 84% preferred a mix of open and topic-driven discussions. Key topics desired for peer discussion included meditation/mindfulness (68%), cognitive changes (58%), symptom management (58%), relationships/sexual health (58%), exercise (58%), and anxiety (58%). By contrast, participants wanted healthcare providers to address tumor treatment (37%), cognitive challenges (37%), symptom management (32%), seizures (26%), nutrition (26%), and integrative health (21%). Qualitative feedback highlighted community and social support from similarly-aged peers facing similar challenges amongst the most valuable aspects. CONCLUSIONS AYA patients have different information and support needs from peers versus providers. Peer-led support groups effectively provide social support for AYA brain tumor patients. Successful implementation involves volunteer facilitators, training, regular planning committee meetings, and participant feedback.

Staff Perspectives: Defining the Types, Challenges and Lessons Learnt of University Peer Support for Student Mental Health and Wellbeing

In university settings, peer support brings people together based on their student identity. Peer support has been advocated as an innovative intervention to aid student mental health and wellbeing as part of a whole university approach, especially post-pandemic when student support is critical. While the literature describes three types of university peer support for student mental health and wellbeing, peer-led support groups, peer mentoring, and peer learning, the sector lacks agreed definitions for these interventions. Formal reporting on peer support initiatives is rare, suggesting further types of peer support practice may exist. This qualitative study, comprising semi-structured interviews with 16 university staff members at 14 different institutions, aimed to generate comprehensive definitions of the types of peer support used in the sector through template analysis. The study also sought to understand the current practice, experiences, and challenges around implementing peer support interventions for undergraduate and postgraduate students’ mental health and wellbeing from the perspective of the staff who support and coordinate these programmes. Five types of peer support were identified and defined. In addition, the challenges of engagement, resource and capacity, and evaluation were highlighted. Finally, lessons learnt provided potential ways to address the challenges outlined and provided sector guidance for further developing peer support as part of a whole university approach to student mental health and wellbeing.

Exploring the Subjective Experiences of Peer-Led Social Support Groups for Individuals Bereaved by Suicide

Objectives: The insights of individuals bereaved by suicide who use peer-led social support groups are lacking in much of the clinical research. This review provided a synthesis of the existing knowledge base to support the development of strategies to improve peer-led social support group services. Design and Methods: A systematic search was carried out on eight electronic databases. Data were extracted and a systematic qualitative meta-aggregation was undertaken. Results: Key components of social support for individuals bereaved by suicide were the contribution of group dynamics to the attribution of meaning; the ways in which shared experience leads to the normalization of feelings; and the importance of support group homogeneity, consistency, and training to the participants’ experience. Conclusion: Peer-led social support groups can be invaluable for suicide-bereaved individuals, but attention must be paid to the structure, conduct, and training of group leaders and members in order to optimize outcomes.

Online Peer-Led Support Program for Affected Family Members of People Living with Addiction: a Mixed Methods Study

Abstract This study reports outcomes from a preliminary study of an online, peer-led support group intervention for family members of people experiencing addiction. A mixed-methods design, comprising within-subjects analysis of intervention data and semi-structured interviews, was used. Seventy-eight participants received the intervention. Participants completed baseline and exit surveys: (i) General Self-Efficacy Scale, (ii) Personal Well-being Index, and (iii) Social Connectedness Scale; and at exit: (i) Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, (ii) Group Sessions Rating Scale, and (iii) Perceived Personal Benefits Scale. Eleven participants were interviewed. There was a significant improvement in mean general self-efficacy for the 23 participants who completed baseline and exit surveys. Most were satisfied with the intervention and reported it to be beneficial. Three themes were identified through a conventional content analysis of interviews: connection with others who share experiences, expertise of facilitators, and accessing support when in crisis. Online peer-led support groups may provide an opportunity for affected family members to share and learn coping strategies.

Strategies to Alleviate the Burden Experienced by Informal Caregivers of Persons With Severe Mental Disorders in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Scoping Review.

There is considerable evidence of the burden of care encountered by informal caregivers of persons with severe and enduring mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries. Previous studies have highlighted the need to support these informal caregivers as key players in the care of these patients. To date, limited evidence exists on the extent and types of strategies for supporting these informal caregivers in low- and middle-income countries. This scoping review aims to identify and describe the extent and type of evidence on the existing strategies for alleviating the burden of care among informal caregivers of persons with severe and enduring mental health conditions in low- and middle-income countries. A systematic literature search was completed following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The participants, concept, and context framework was used to guide the search for literature sources across 5 databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for published literature and ProQuest for unpublished literature. This review included studies that reported on strategies for alleviating the burden of care among informal caregivers of persons with severe and enduring mental health conditions, with a focus on studies that evaluated or recommended caregiver interventions and support strategies in low- and middle-income countries. The search was limited to studies conducted between 2001 and 2021, and only papers written in English were considered for inclusion. Using the Covidence software (Veritas Health Innovation), 2 reviewers independently screened the papers, applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and met biweekly to discuss and resolve conflicts. The relevant studies and reported outcomes were summarized, organized, and analyzed descriptively using numeric summary analysis and deductive content analysis. Of the 18,342 studies identified, 44 (0.24%) met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were from 16 low- and middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South and North America. Most studies (21/44, 48%) were randomized controlled trials conducted in Asian countries. The identified strategies were grouped into 2 categories: implemented and recommended intervention strategies. Identified strategies included community-based interventions, psychoeducation interventions, support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, spirituality-based interventions, and smartphone-based interventions. In addition, mindfulness and empowerment, collaborative interventions, standard care, financial and social support, counseling, occupation-based interventions, policy and legislature, and access to mental health care were identified. Psychoeducation and support group interventions were identified as common strategies for alleviating the burden of care among informal caregivers of persons with severe and enduring mental health conditions. This review provides evidence on the types of implemented and recommended strategies for alleviating the burden of care among informal caregivers in low- and middle-income countries. Although psychoeducational interventions were the most preferred strategy for alleviating burden, their benefits were short-lived when compared with peer-led support groups. RR2-10.2196/44268.

'Some days I am a lunatic that thinks I can moderate': Amalgamating recovery and neo-liberal discourses within accounts of non-drinking among women active in the 'positive sobriety' community on Instagram in the UK.

In recent years, reductions in drinking in the UK and the rise of online 'positive' sobriety communities have been observed, yet peer led support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and neo-liberal discourses of control and responsibility dominate public understandings of (problematic) alcohol use. This paper presents research exploring how women active in the 'positive sobriety' community on Instagram position and construct their non-drinking identities and relationships with alcohol within these overlapping discourses. Semi-structured interviews (n=15) and online content produced by women active in the positive sobriety community on Instagram were analysed using thematic analysis. Women challenged, reproduced and amalgamated AA discourses of addiction, and the broader discourses of neo-liberalism, in ways that positioned (alcohol) consumption, agency, control and individual responsibility as defining features of feminine identity making. Drawing on these discourses, binary understandings of problematic drinking, the identity of the 'alcoholic', and the need to reach 'rock bottom' in the recovery process were rejected and challenged, but at times reproduced. Whilst a broader framing of problematic drinking that situated drinking problems on a spectrum was constructed, abstinence was engaged with and promoted as the most effective way of gaining control and responsibility over drinking in gendered ways, and in establishing an authentic sense of self. This paper contributes to emerging research on online 'positive' sobriety communities, their gendered nature, and the intertwined presence of traditional recovery and neo-liberal discourses in women's accounts. Online sober communities offered alternative spaces of support and allowed for sobriety and sober femininities to be framed more positively than within traditional AA conceptualisations. However, those involved may experience tensions around (a) the need to 'tell' their personal stories of complete abstinence whilst still appealing to those who seek to 'moderate' and (b) the pressure to create and craft an 'authentic' sober self on an online platform that demands a carefully curated self-image and personal 'brand'. Further research should aim to gain more understanding of the role social media plays in "doing" sobriety and non-drinking, how this is done by people of different genders, the intersectional experiences of those participating, and how these communities can be made more equally available and accessible to those who do not consider full abstinence as necessary, whilst still appealing to those that do.

Gender Minority Persons' Perceptions of Peer-Led Support Groups: A Roy Adaptation Model Interpretation.

Gender Minority Persons' Perceptions of Peer-Led Support Groups: A Roy Adaptation Model Interpretation.

Effects of a support group leader education program jointly developed by health professionals and patients on peer leader self-efficacy among leaders of scleroderma support groups: a two-arm parallel partially nested randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMore people with rare diseases likely receive disease education and emotional and practical support from peer-led support groups than any other way. Most rare-disease support groups are delivered outside of the health care system by untrained leaders. Potential benefits may not be achieved and harms, such as dissemination of inaccurate information, may occur. Our primary objective was to evaluate the effects of a rare-disease support group leader education program, which was developed collaboratively by researchers, peer support group leaders, and patient organization leaders, compared to waitlist control, on peer leader self-efficacy among scleroderma support group leaders.MethodsThe trial was a pragmatic, two-arm partially nested randomised controlled trial with 1:1 allocation into intervention or waitlist control. Eligible participants were existing or candidate peer support group leaders affiliated with a scleroderma patient organization. Leader training was delivered in groups of 5–6 participants weekly for 13 weeks in 60–90 min sessions via the GoToMeeting® videoconferencing platform. The program included 12 general leader training modules and one module specific to scleroderma. Primary outcome was leader self-efficacy, measured by the Support Group Leader Self-efficacy Scale (SGLSS) immediately post-intervention. Secondary outcomes were leader self-efficacy 3 months post-intervention; emotional distress, leader burnout, and volunteer satisfaction post-intervention and 3 months post-intervention; and program satisfaction among intervention participants post-intervention.ResultsOne hundred forty-eight participants were randomised to intervention (N = 74) or waitlist (N = 74). Primary outcome data were provided by 146 (99%) participants. Mean number of sessions attended was 11.4 (standard deviation = 2.6). Mean program satisfaction score (CSQ-8) was 30.3 (standard deviation = 3.0; possible range 8–32). Compared to waitlist control, leader self-efficacy was higher post-intervention [SGLSS; 16.7 points, 95% CI 11.0–22.3; standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.84] and 3 months later (15.6 points, 95% CI 10.2–21.0; SMD 0.73); leader volunteer satisfaction was significantly higher at both assessments, emotional distress was lower post-intervention but not 3 months later, and leader burnout was not significantly different at either assessment.ConclusionsPeer support group leader education improved leader self-efficacy substantially. The program could be easily adapted for support group leaders in other rare diseases.Trial registration:NCT03965780; registered on May 29, 2019.

The Spaces of Peer-Led Support Groups for Suicide Bereaved in Denmark and the Republic of Ireland: A Focus Group Study.

Research has shown that people bereaved by suicide have an increased risk of mental health problems, suicidality and associated stigma, as well as higher rates of sick leave and increased rates of receiving disability pensions. Peer-led suicide bereavement support groups are perceived to enhance people’s recovery by enabling shared experiences with others who are bereaved in similar circumstances. The aim of the research was to explore the viewpoints of participants living in Denmark and the Republic of Ireland on these peer-led support groups. This study focused on how the participants experienced being part of the peer-led support and how the participation affected them. We conducted four focus groups, two in Denmark and two in the Republic of Ireland, and two individual interviews, involving a total of 27 people bereaved by suicide. Data were analyzed thematically. The participants’ experiences in the peer-led support groups were in contrast to what they had experienced in their daily lives. They felt alienated in daily living, as they believed that people could not comprehend their situation, which in turn led participants to search for people with similar experiences and join the peer-led support groups. While peer-led support groups may not be helpful for everyone, they created ‘supportive spaces’ that potentially affected the participants’ recovery processes, from which we generated three key themes: (i) ‘A transformative space’, describing how the peer-led support group created a place to embrace change, learning and knowledge about suicide and suicide bereavement and the making of new connections; (ii) ‘An alternative space for belonging and grieving’, describing how the participants felt allowed to and could give themselves permission to grieve; and (iii) ‘A conflicted space’ describing how it was troublesome to belong to and participate in the peer-led support groups. In conclusion, despite the two cultural settings and different organizational approaches, the experiences were comparable. Peer-led support groups can, despite being a conflicted space for some, provide supportive spaces aiding the participants’ recovery process.

Autism as a difference or a disorder? Exploring the views of individuals who use peer-led online support groups for autistic partners.

Individuals who use peer-led online support groups for partners of autistics describe diverse views of autism, with some describing autism as a difference and others describing it as a disorder. I conducted online interviews with 162 non-autistics who believed they were in relationships with autistics and who participated in online support groups on social media. I analyzed their responses by constantly comparing each interview to previous interviews to develop a theory about their social experiences. As many as one-third of autistics participate in romantic relationships, and many of their partners seek support through groups on social media. Few studies explore what it is like to be a non-autistic person who is in a relationship with an autistic person. The way that participants viewed autism influenced the way that they viewed themselves, their partners, and their relationships. Many participants who were dissatisfied in their relationships shared that they believed their partners were autistic, but their partners had never been formally evaluated and did not self-identify as autistic. Future research should explore ways that autism labels are (mis)applied by the general public based on negative stereotypes about autism.

Gender Minority Persons' Perceptions of Peer-Led Support Groups: A Roy Adaptation Model Interpretation.

Literature addressing gender minority health has documented adverse behavioral health outcomes. "Gender minority" recognizes identities that include, but are not limited to, transgender and gender nonconforming. Although gender minority affirmative counseling exists, most continue to focus on pathology and diagnosis, leading people in the gender minority community to mistrust services. Sources of social support can ameliorate gender minority psychological distress by providing an environment that affirms gender identities. The purpose of this study was to identify gender minority peoples' perceptions of their experiences in a peer-led support group. The themes were then interpreted within the context of Roy's Adaptation Model.