A peer-led learning program about intimate and romantic relationships for persons with mental disorders (AIRIKI): co-creation pilot feasibility study

Masako Kageyama; Keiko Yokoyama; Kayo Ichihashi; Shintaro Noma; Ryota Hashimoto; Misato Nishitani; Reiko Okamoto; Phyllis Solomon

doi:10.1186/s12888-023-05254-1

A peer-led learning program about intimate and romantic relationships for persons with mental disorders (AIRIKI): co-creation pilot feasibility study

BMC Psychiatry. 2023 Oct 19;23(1):767. doi: 10.1186/s12888-023-05254-1.

Authors

Masako Kageyama¹, Keiko Yokoyama², Kayo Ichihashi³, Shintaro Noma⁴, Ryota Hashimoto⁵, Misato Nishitani⁶, Reiko Okamoto⁶, Phyllis Solomon⁷

Affiliations

¹ Osaka University Institute of Advanced Co-Creation Studies, 1-7 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. kageyama@sahs.med.osaka-u.ac.jp.
² Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Yokohama Soei University, 1Miho-cho, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-0015, Japan.
³ Department of Neuropsychiatry, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
⁴ Peer support online group 'Hamaccha', Yokohama, Japan.
⁵ Department of Pathology of Mental Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
⁶ Department of Health Promotion Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-7 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
⁷ School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, 3701 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6214, USA.

Abstract

Background: Intimate and romantic relationships are important in life for individuals, irrespective of mental health status. We developed a four-hour peer-led learning program for persons with mental disorders about intimate and romantic relationships through a co-creation process with service users and examined its preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of implementing the program.

Methods: A one-group pretest-posttest trial was conducted using a mixed-method design for 45 individuals with mental disorders in Japan. Outcome data were collected at three time points: baseline, post-intervention, and one month after program completion. Mixed models for repeated measures (MMRM) were used to examine changes over time in the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS), Herth Hope Index (HHI), and the original items. Group interviews were conducted for process evaluation.

Results: MMRM showed significant changes over time on RSES, RAS, HHI, and two original items "I am able to communicate well with others about myself" and "I am able to listen to others well." In multiple comparisons, RSES and HHI were significant one month after the program. Participants reported changes during the first month after attending the program in terms of their positive attitude toward romantic relationships (n = 14), taking romantic actions (n = 11), and feeling their overall communication improved (n = 11). Although two participants had an unscheduled psychiatric visit that could be attributed to attending the program, all recovered after one month.

Conclusions: The program exhibited preliminary effectiveness to a moderate extent in improving recovery, particularly regarding self-esteem and hope. The program is feasible but requires further modifications regarding inclusion criteria for participants and the training of peer facilitators.

Trial registration: UMIN000041743;09/09/2020.

Keywords: Co-creation; Intervention; Mental disorders; Peer support; Personal recovery; Romantic relationships.

Publication types

Clinical Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Feasibility Studies
Humans
Japan
Mental Disorders*
Self Concept

Associated data

UMIN-CTR/UMIN000041743