Promote Peer Support Research Articles

Pizza party socials for young people with diabetes and their families to promote peer support and education

Pizza party socials for young people with diabetes and their families to promote peer support and education

Empowering Learners to Improve English Language Performance through Group Discussion Strategy in Selected Secondary Schools in Rwanda

This study investigates the impact of the group discussion strategy on English language performance among secondary school students in Rwanda. Recognizing the critical role of English proficiency in academic achievement and future career opportunities, the research addresses the persistent challenges faced by students in mastering the language through traditional teaching methods. The study adopts a descriptive research design using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to assess the effectiveness of group discussions in enhancing students' comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This study was guided by Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory. Data were collected through filled questionnaires from students, teachers’ and administrative staff. Results indicate that the group discussion strategy significantly improves students' English language performance by fostering interactive and collaborative learning environments. Students showed increased engagement, motivation, and confidence in using English. The findings suggest that incorporating group discussions into the curriculum can effectively empower learners and enhance English language education in Rwandan secondary schools. The study established that group discussions significantly contribute to improving various language skills among students. The interactive nature of these discussions fosters engagement and participation, leading to heightened confidence and motivation among students. The study recommends integrating structured group discussions into Rwanda's English curriculum, supported by teacher training. It emphasizes creating supportive environments, leveraging technology, promoting peer support, and implementing continuous assessment and feedback. These measures aim to improve English proficiency, enhancing students' academic success and future prospects in a globalized world.

정신장애인 동료지원활동 경험에 대한 개념도 연구

The purpose of this study was to explore the peer support experiences of peer support for persons with mental illness using concept mapping methodology to derive key concepts in peer support for people with mental illness and to suggest directions for the expansion and development of peer support. To this end, interviews were conducted with 11 mental illness who had completed the peer support for persons with mental illness training educational program and had experience in peer support activities, and 79 core statements were derived. The research participants then sorted and rated the final derived statements, and the data were generated in a Group Similarity Matrix and Multidi- mensional Scaling and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (Ward method). As a result, the peer support practice experiences of peer supporters with mental illness were divided into practice efforts factors and practice effectiveness factors, and peer support practice direction factors and peer support practitioner factors, and were categorized into six clusters: “Perspectives on peers,” “Necessary competencies as experience experts,” “Continuous learning process,” “Promoting life recovery,” “Mutual growth of self and peers,” and “Positioning as a profession”. The study participants rated the sixth of the categorized groups, “Positioning as an Occupational Group,” as the most important. Based on these findings, recommends directions for promoting peer support, including institutionalizing peer support for persons with mental illness.

Improvements in Literacy, Stigmatic Views, and Microaggressions Towards Mental Illness for Undergraduate Criminal Justice Majors

Mental illness impacts billions, globally. While mental illness does not predict criminality, many individuals with mental health needs find themselves within the various decision points of the criminal legal system. Research shows that individuals experiencing a mental health challenge and/or crisis are at greater risk for a law enforcement encounter, police use-of-forth, detainment in jail, and court and correctional system involvement. Yet, research has found that increased knowledge surrounding mental illness can reduce negative criminal legal system involvement. As such, the current sample included undergraduate criminal justice students enrolled in an elective course that included Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)—an evidence-based intervention training. In the current study, MHFA was part of the course curriculum. Enrolled students completed both a pre- and post-test questionnaire (at the beginning and end of the course) to measure changes in their mental illness literacy for depression, mental illness stigma, and mental illness microaggressions. Results support the implementation of MHFA to undergraduate criminal justice students, as students had an increase in mental illness literacy, and decreases in mental illness stigma and microaggressions. These findings encourage more colleges and universities to offer MHFA to promote peer support as well as professional knowledge for those who will work within the criminal legal system.

Understanding exercise referrals in primary care: a qualitative study of GPs and physiotherapists.

Physical inactivity is estimated to cost the UK NHS over £1 billion per year. Healthcare practitioners have a key role in supporting increases in physical activity (PA) levels, including referring to exercise referral schemes (ERS). To date, there has been little research into practitioner perspectives on referrals to ERS. To explore the views and experiences of GPs and physiotherapists in relation to factors that influence referral and adherence to ERS. Qualitative study of primary care-based practitioners in Glasgow, UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 practitioners (seven GPs and seven physiotherapists). Interviews were recorded and analysed thematically. Four themes are presented. First, healthcare practitioners bring inherent biases to a consultation that impact their approach to PA promotion. Second, clinical time pressures are a major barrier to effective PA promotion. Third, patient-led, compassionate care is the most vital component of behaviour change, with suggestions that promoting peer support and the use of personal anecdotes to normalise vulnerabilities might be helpful. Last, providing ongoing support for change was beneficial to PA promotion. This is often accessed through ERS and is improved by better collaboration between exercise providers and referring practitioners. Practitioners believed ERS referrals could be improved with more targeted training, support for multidisciplinary working, and enhanced communication between the programmes and referrers. Additionally, supporting behaviour change requires time to develop rapport and understand patients' motivations and beliefs. Lack of time is the greatest current barrier to effective PA promotion.

The psychosocial health of sexual and gender minority people with anal and colorectal cancer: a mixed methods study.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) cancer survivors have poorer psychosocial health than their heterosexual cisgender counterparts. Nevertheless, most research has focused on breast and prostate survivors. It is unknown how different gastrointestinal (GI) cancers affect the psychosocial well-being of SGM individuals. We (1) described the psychosocial health of SGM people with GI cancers and (2) identified differences in psychosocial health outcomes by cancer type. We conducted a concurrent mixed-methods secondary analysis with identical samples (n = 295) using data from "OUT: The National Cancer Survey." Likert-type and open-ended questions about demographics, satisfaction with care, social support, and access to mental health resources were included in the analysis. Poor mental health was the primary outcome. Quantitative (linear regression) and qualitative (thematic analysis) data were independently analyzed, then integrated through the narrative, weaving approach. Three concepts emerged after data integration, (1) positive and negative influences on the psychological well-being of the participants; (2) social adaptations with the participants' friends, partners, and family members; and (3) additional factors affecting the psychosocial well-being during and after cancer, particularly interactions with providers, comorbidities, and treatment side effects. Clinical characteristics, demographic factors, and culturally responsive care influenced the psychosocial health of SGM survivors of GI cancers. Participants developed their own coping strategies and advocated for the SGM community. Interventions promoting peer support and self-esteem are a priority for this population. Healthcare professional training should incorporate historical trauma awareness and assess the delivery of culturally responsive care.

Understanding exercise referrals in primary care: a qualitative study of General Practitioners and Physiotherapists

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is estimated to cost the UK National Health Service over £7.4 billion per year. Healthcare practitioners have a key role in supporting increases in physical activity (PA) levels, including referring to exercise referral schemes. To date, there has been little research into practitioner perspectives on referrals to exercise schemes. ObjectivesTo explore the views and experiences of General Practitioners (GPs) and physiotherapists in relation to factors which influence referral and adherence to exercise referral schemes. Design setting and participantsQualitative study of primary care-based practitioners in Glasgow, UK. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 practitioners (seven GPs and seven physiotherapists). Interviews were recorded and analysed thematically. ResultsFour themes are presented. Firstly, all people, including healthcare practitioners, bring inherent biases which are influenced by their background, experiences and worldviews to a consultation which impact their approach to PA promotion. Secondly, clinical time pressures are a major barrier to effective PA promotion. Thirdly, patient-led, compassionate care which seeks to fully understand a patient is the most vital component of behaviour change, with suggestions that promoting peer support and the use of personal anecdotes to normalise vulnerabilities might be helpful. Lastly, providing ongoing support for change was felt to be beneficial to PA promotion. This is often accessed through exercise referral schemes and improved by better collaboration between exercise providers and referring practitioners. ConclusionPractitioners believed exercise referrals could be improved with more targeted training in behaviour change facilitation, support for multidisciplinary working, and enhanced communication between the programmes and referrers. Additionally, supporting behaviour change requires time for compassionate care and fully understanding patients’ motivations and beliefs. Lack of time was felt to be the greatest current barrier to effective PA promotion. Contribution of the Paper•Previous physical activity promotion research has focussed on overcoming barriers to physical activity.•Few studies have considered the effect of the therapeutic interaction on successful exercise referrals.•In this qualitative study, primary care-based practitioners (GPs and physiotherapists) reported inherent biases which affected referrals, as well as time pressures.•Targeted training, support for multidisciplinary working, and enhanced communication between the programmes and referrers, would improve referrals.

Provider Perspectives on Multi-level Barriers and Facilitators to PrEP Access Among Latinx Sexual and Gender Minorities.

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention intervention, inequities in access remain among Latinx sexual and gender minorities (LSGM). There is also a gap in the PrEP literature regarding providers' perspective on access inequities. This qualitative case study sought to explore barriers and facilitators to PrEP engagement in a community-based integrated health center primarily serving Latinx populations in Northern California. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with providers (9/15) involved in PrEP services and engaged in a constructivist grounded theory analysis consisting of memoing, coding, and identifying salient themes. Three participants worked as medical providers, three as outreach staff, and one each in planning, education, and research. The analysis surfaced four themes: geopolitical differences, culture as barrier, clinic as context, and patient strengths and needs. Participants referenced a lack of resources to promote PrEP, as well as the difficulties of working within an institution that still struggles with cultural and organizational mores that deprioritize sexual health. Another barrier is related to sexual health being positioned outside of patients' immediate needs owing to structural barriers, including poverty, documentation status, and education. Participants, however, observed that peer-based models, which emboldened their decision-making processes, were conducive to better access to PrEP, as well as allowing them to build stronger community ties. These data underscore the need for interventions to help reduce sexual stigma, promote peer support, and ameliorate structural barriers to sexual healthcare among LSGM.

Turkish Newcomers’ Experience of the Belgian Labour Market: A Qualitative Study

This study explored the integration process of Turkish-speaking migrants in Belgium from a phenomenological perspective. In collaboration with Antwerp’s ATLAS integration hub, we conducted six focus groups comprising 59 Turkish-speaking newcomers with diverse religious, national, and regional backgrounds to examine Turkish integration in Belgium. Participants told their stories and deconstructed their knowledge of the local people, particularly the cultural distinctive subjective beliefs and prejudices. Focus group members discussed their expectations, problem, ambitions, and cultural differences in Belgium’s multicultural society. Group composition was designed to be informal and diverse and promote peer support. Each group included some participants who were socially integrated, employed, and fluent in an official language. Although qualitative analysis revealed factors limit Turkish-speaking migrants’ opportunities in the labour market, group exchanges yielded solutions for building social capital and bridging differences, highlighting the importance of open-minded migrant integration course organisers and a kind and empathetic approach to the process.

Midwifery students’ experiences of their clinical internship placement during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland: A qualitative descriptive study

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on midwifery students’ experiences of clinical internship placement in the final year of their midwifery programme. DesignA qualitative descriptive study was conducted following ethical approval. Four online focus groups were facilitated. Setting and participantsTo prepare for autonomous practice, BSc Midwifery students in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) undertake a 36-week internship in the final year of their programme. Midwifery students (n = 15), from one Higher Education Institute (HEI), who were undertaking internship across two clinical practice sites volunteered to participate in the study. FindingsFour overarching themes were identified: Fear and uncertainty of internship in the context of a pandemic, Consequences of COVID-19 within the clinical environment, Student supports, Opportunities and challenges during internship. Working within a health care environment dominated by the presence of COVID-19 had significant consequences for the students and their provision of care for women and families. Students were challenged with managing increased responsibility within the context of COVID-19 practice requirements and restrictions. Students balanced their need to progress to autonomous practice, whilst acknowledging their needs as learners. COVID-19 also brought unexpected benefits, which included enhancing students’ ability to develop relationships with women in their care, and students described a sense of belonging within the midwifery team. Key conclusions and implications for practiceMidwifery students identified internship, during the COVID-19 pandemic as challenging and stressful. However, students also portrayed a sense of pride in their achievements. Support structures assisted students to cope during this period which included peer support, protective reflective time (PRT) in the HEI and support from clinical placement coordinators in midwifery (CPC-Midwifery) within clinical placements sites. It is essential that these support structures continue within midwifery educational programmes. Promoting peer support in a more formal support structure may need consideration. These support structures need to be protected and enhanced during unprecedented times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Explaining job satisfaction among mental health peer support workers.

Peer support practice has seen exponential growth during the past several decades. While there exists a body of research on job satisfaction among this emerging workforce, many studies had limited sample sizes and demographic diversity and focused on few facets of job satisfaction. The present study examines multiple factors associated with job satisfaction and compensates for limitations of previous smaller studies. A convenience/snowball sample of 645 peer support staff was recruited via National Association of Peer Supporters and Academy of Peer Services listservs. Eligible participants were at least 18 years of age, currently employed for a minimum of 6 months, and residing in one of the 50 states or one of U.S. territories. Global and multidimensional facets of job satisfaction were measured using the Indiana Job Satisfaction Survey. Data from an anonymous online survey were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression. The main hypothesis was supported; coworker support, perceived organizational support, supervisor support, and job empowerment explained 71% of the variance in overall job satisfaction, Adj R² = 0.71, F(9, 271) = 77.77, p < .01, with age and status as a certified peer specialist significant contributors. Perceived organizational support and job empowerment explained most variance in overall job satisfaction. As this workforce continues to burgeon, it is crucial to promote peer support values, role clarity, certification, diversity, and optimal organizational and empowerment resources to sustain a satisfied and effective peer support workforce. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

A qualitative study of ecological and motivational factors to inform weight management interventions for Black men in the rural South of the United States

Rationale and objectiveBlack men in the rural South of the United States (US) are underrepresented in weight management behavioral trials. Qualitative research is needed to inform interventions that can reduce obesity and health disparities in this population. We explored how intrapersonal, social, and environmental factors affect motivation and weight-related behaviors and how to culturally adapt behavioral interventions for Black men in the rural South. MethodsWe conducted individual telephone interviews with 23 Black men (mean age 50 ± 14 years) with overweight or obesity living in rural South Carolina communities in 2020 and 2021. Interviews were audio recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded by two men's health researchers who achieved an intercoder reliability of 70%. Content analysis using QSR NVivo 12 was used to generate themes using deductive and inductive approaches. ResultsPhysical health and health behaviors were perceived as key determinants of overall health. Family, friends, and other social contacts often provided positive social support that increased motivation but also hindered motivation by engaging in behaviors men were trying to avoid. Younger participants had stronger views of rural environments not supporting healthy lifestyles, which compounded personal challenges such as time constraints and lack of motivation. Comfort was discussed as a critical program consideration, and gender concordance among program participants and facilitators was perceived as promoting comfort. Participants noted preferences and benefits of in-person, group programs emphasizing physical activity, and younger participants more strongly endorsed programs that incorporated sports and competition. ConclusionsFindings from this study provide important evidence to inform the development of weight management interventions for Black men in the rural US South. Based on these findings, an innovative, competitive “football-themed” weight management program promoting peer support and integrating competitive physical activities is being evaluated for younger Black men in the rural South.

Preventing school bullying: Examining the association between classroom management, classroom climate, and relational aggression and victimization

This research aims to examine the relationship between classroom management, classroom climate, and relational aggression and victimization in high school students. A total of 42 teachers and 2168 students from 5 high schools in Shenzhen, China participated in the study. Teachers completed a classroom management style scale, while students answered a questionnaire based on relational aggression peer-nomination and a relational victimization experience scale. Data was analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analysis. The study found no significant correlation between teachers’ management style and levels of relational aggression and victimization. However, there was a positive correlation between teachers’ sympathy for the victim of relational aggression and the levels of relational aggression in the classroom. Teachers’ attitudes towards relational aggression predicted the level of relational victimization, but not the level of relational aggression. Teachers’ handling strategies did not predict the levels of relational aggression and victimization. Support from classmates and solidarity were negatively correlated with relational aggression and victimization. The results suggest that teachers’ attitudes towards relational aggression play an important role in predicting levels of relational victimization. Teacher sympathy for the victim of relational aggression may inadvertently reinforce the behavior. The study highlights the importance of creating a supportive classroom climate and promoting solidarity among students to reduce relational aggression and victimization. Teachers can be trained to recognize and address relational aggression, and to create a positive and supportive classroom climate. Strategies promoting peer support and solidarity may help to reduce levels of relational aggression and victimization.

Negative association between harsh parenting and life satisfaction: negative coping style as mediator and peer support as moderator

BackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated that harsh parenting negatively affects children’s psychological development. This study examined the association between harsh parenting during childhood and life satisfaction of Chinese college students. We further looked at whether this association is explained in part by negative coping styles, and whether peer support lessens the potential effect of harsh parenting on negative coping styles and life satisfaction.MethodThe sample included 609 Chinese students (aged 17–21 years, M = 18.39, SD = 0.82). The participants responded to questionnaires measuring past experiences with harsh parenting, life satisfaction, negative coping styles, and peer support.ResultsRegression analysis showed that harsh parenting negatively contributed to students’ life satisfaction via the mediator of negative coping styles, and peer support moderated this negative relationship. Specifically, the negative impact of harsh parenting on life satisfaction was only significant when there was low peer support. The effect of harsh parenting on negative coping styles was higher in individuals with high peer support than in those with low peer support.ConclusionThis study highlights the roles of intrinsic (negative coping style) and extrinsic (peer support) factors in understanding the negative effects of harsh parenting on adolescents’ life satisfaction. These results provide insight into how to enhance adolescents’ life satisfaction by reducing harsh parenting and negative coping styles and by promoting peer support.

The Health Sciences Scholarship Strategy: a pilot peer-support initiative for academics

This presentation will report on a pilot initiative being undertaken within a team of university academics, with the aim of promoting peer support, space to develop and improve scholarly activity in all its forms. Scholarship and scholarly teaching are at the core of each university academic’s role (Ling, 2020; Boyer, 1990): ensuring currency, best-practice and skill development in a rapidly changing educational landscape (Matos et al., 2022). Communities of Practice (CoP) and peer support are known to encourage academics to participate in scholarly activities and professional development (Wenger, McDermott, &amp; Snyder, 2002), arising from Vygotsky’s theory that learning is enhanced when occurring in a group (Vygotsky, 1978). The project design contains many features of a CoP, such as a shared domain and set of practices; places for discussion and group activities (Jakovljevic, Buckley, &amp; Bushney, 2013). With the support of online technologies, this innovative project aims to provide a framework for supporting Health Science (HS) academics in the development of scholarly teaching practices and their capacity to immerse in scholarship from a discipline community perspective. The project also aims to demonstrate strategies for promoting team member research capabilities, development, and outcomes. Designed to sit within the wider institution research and scholarship centres, strategic plans, policies and procedures, the HS Scholarship Strategy is a local, co-creative initiative being formed through on-going and evolving team member participation and feedback. The HS Scholarship Strategy contains two main components – a community group called the HS Scholarly Teaching Think Tank, and the Research Incubator Group. These groups provide an informal space for team members to ideate, plan, progress and support research and scholarly teaching activities. With team members located around Australia, various technologies are being employed to deliver these components synchronously and asynchronously. In addition, four other sub-initiatives are included in the strategy: peer-support workshops; scholarly forums; a scholarly literature club; and an active teaching development project. The main outcomes of interest are participation and engagement in scholarly development activities. The strategy components, including their aims and specific outcomes being measured, will be further described. Given the challenges of teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, knowledge sharing has been made easier using technology, within this project of enhancing scholarly capabilities. Overall, this pilot strategy been designed with the support of the literature on peer support and its potential in developing faculty scholarship, academic culture and the construction of professional identity (Van Schyndel, et al., 2019; Clarke, Hyde, &amp; Drennan, 2013 In alignment with these theoretical bases, this presentation will share early findings and areas for further professional development. There is potential for broader implementation in other teams across the university. This may be of interest to academic and other university teams looking for contextualised, team-based strategies for improving scholarship activities and scholarly teaching outcomes.

Effectiveness of peer support to reduce depression, anxiety and stress among migrant construction workers in Singapore

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of promoting peer support to reduce depression, anxiety and stress among migrant construction workers in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachThis longitudinal study drew participants from migrant workers of various nationalities in the construction sector in Singapore. Baseline data pertaining to depression, anxiety and stress was established using the DASS-21 questionnaire, and salient covariates such as demographic factors and work environment factors recorded using suitable questionnaires. Intervention was training of participants on peer support techniques, supplemented by episodic support by trained counsellors. At the end of 6 months, DASS-21 was again deployed to obtain the post-results. Comparison of baseline with post-results data was performed to evaluate effectiveness of the peer support intervention.FindingsStatistically significant reduction was observed in measures of all the three parameters studied, namely, depression, anxiety and stress. A decrease of 3.3 (95% CI:2.3 to 4.3) points in mean depression score, a decrease of 2.6 (95% CI: 1.6 to 3.7) points in mean anxiety score and a decrease of 2.7 (with 95% CI: 1.6 to 4.0) points in mean stress scores on the DASS-21 scale were recorded. Conclusions: Peer support is effective in improving mental health of migrant workers in the construction sector in Singapore. This intervention should be considered among other measures to improve their welfare.Originality/valueThis is the first paper that talks about the mental health of migrant workers pre-COVID and hence would be a strong paper for the future comparative studies for pre-and post-COVID periods. This is the first paper that addresses the benefits of peer-support among migrant workers to improve their mental wellbeing.

Independent Living Coordinators’ Effects on Intangible Domains in an Independent Living Program

Purpose This study involved an evaluation of the role of the Independent Living Coordinator (ILC) in a. Email multi-domain Independent Living program (ILP). It focused on the intangible domains of health/mental health, support, and prevention. Method One hundred and nineteen ILP plans from 97 foster youth were coded to determine which goals were achieved for foster youth between the ages of 14 and 21. Quotations from case notes and IL plans were selected to illustrate the role of the ILC. Results Results demonstrated that ILCs were effective in achieving goals regarding mental health counseling and medication management and practical support for finances and transportation. ILCs struggled to promote peer support, romantic relationships, and use of birth control. Discussion ILCs play roles in supporting foster youths’ transition into adulthood. ILCs were successful based on the types of goals, their understanding of developmental needs, and access to resources. Future research should involve randomized control trial evaluations.

Building social identity-based groups to enhance online peer support for patients with chronic disease: a pilot study using mixed-methods evaluation.

Online peer support is increasingly important to encourage patients with chronic diseases to engage in successful self-management. However, studies mainly focus on individual-level participation and have not fully explored how to maximize the impact of online peer support through group identification. In this study, we aim to build an online social identity-based group to examine the impact of group identity on peer support. Twenty-five participants who completed the first phase of a larger study were randomly assigned either to the treatment group (identity-based group level, n = 15, three subgroups, five members in each subgroup) or to the control group (individual-level, n = 10). All participants in both treatment and control groups received the same tasks and incentives. Peer support behavior (informational support and emotional support), task completion (knowledge learning, self-tracking behavior), and health-related outcomes (self-efficacy [SE] and HbA1c) were collected for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results from a 3-month pilot experiment showed that the treatment group offered substantial enhancement in peer support compared to the control group. It also significantly promoted improvement in SE. However, there was no significant difference in task completion or changes in HbA1c between the two groups. The results of the content analysis suggest that having a team leader, timely responsiveness, and intergroup competition played important roles in building social identity-based online groups and subsequently generating peer support. We provide some encouraging results that indicate how online groups may be effectively designed to promote peer support.

Attitudes and use patterns for mobile technology and upper extremity home exercises in stroke survivors in the United States

Introduction The use of mobile technology (MT) in home-based occupational therapy is expected to continue growing. This study describes daily use patterns for MT and upper extremity (UE) home exercise programs (HEPs) for community-dwelling stroke survivors in the United States. Method Cross-sectional survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate comparisons. Results N = 61 (30 stroke and 31 controls). Individuals with stroke had similar levels of knowledge, skill, and use of MT compared with non-disabled age-matched adults. Stroke participants used MT more frequently for information searching, social media, and reminders compared to control participants. Stroke participants were motivated to improve UE function (93.3%) and reported a need for additional HEP training (56.7%). Perceived facilitators to improve UE use included talking to peers (73.3%), getting more information (73.3%), and talking to a therapist (63.3%). Conclusions MT may have multiple potential benefits when integrated into occupational therapy practice including supporting instrumental ADLs, facilitating social connection, and increasing adherence to UE HEPs. Future work should focus on maximizing adherence and providing performance feedback through the use of social media to promote peer support and consistent remote communication using text messaging, phone calls, or video calls to deliver information and reminders on exercises.

“I was able to ask for help when I became stressed rather than sitting alone and struggling”: psychology and law students’ views of the impact of identity and community on mental wellbeing

ABSTRACT People derive a sense of self from membership of social groups. Universities consist of many different groups and provide a significant opportunity to explore how group memberships can affect mental wellbeing. A key university group is students’ school of study, membership of which enables individuals to develop an academic identity. We argue that a strong sense of belonging, and thus academic identity, within the school community can lead to positive mental wellbeing. We focus on belonging within academic schools because the positive impact of group membership is likely to exist to a greater degree in an academic school than in other university communities. We conducted online focus groups with 21 undergraduate students studying either law or psychology at a research-intensive university. Our aim was to explore their academic identity and belonging within their academic school of study, and how these variables affected their mental wellbeing. Our thematic analysis indicates that students with strong identities, who feel a sense of belonging in their school community – particularly among peers – display greater help-seeking behaviours in difficult times. If peers are viewed negatively, students are less forthcoming when in need of support. Promoting peer support is therefore a way of improving student mental wellbeing.