Mood Lifters: evaluation of a novel peer-led mental wellness program

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test a mental wellness intervention, Mood Lifters (ML), that addresses significant barriers to mental health care. ML includes adults over 18 struggling with mental wellness or any life difficulties, except those with active suicidality, mania and psychosis, and addresses barriers to care using peer leaders in a manualized group format with a gamified point system. Design/methodology/approach Participants were recruited using online postings. Those eligible (76% female, 80% white) were randomly assigned to professional-led groups (N = 30), peer-led groups (N = 33) or a waitlist (N = 22; i.e. attended assigned condition if available). Participants completed pre- and postgroup measures (including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Perceived Stress Scale), attended 15 weekly meetings and tracked “points” or at-home skills practice. Multiple imputation was used to account for attrition. Linear regressions were analyzed to determine the program’s impact on anxiety and depressive symptoms and perceived stress. Further analyses included comparisons between peer- and professional-led groups. Findings Participants in ML experienced significant reductions in anxiety symptoms. Completing more homework across the program led to significant reductions in anxiety and perceived stress. Finally, there were no significant differences in attendance, homework completed or outcomes between peer- and professional-led groups. Practical implications Overall, participation in the ML program led to reduced anxiety symptoms, and for those who completed more homework, reduced perceived stress. More accessible programs can make a significant impact on symptoms and are critical to address the overburdened care system. Additionally, there were no differences between leader types indicating that peers may be an effective way to address accessibility concerns. Originality/value ML is unique for three reasons: it takes a biopsychosocial/Research Domain Criteria approach to mental wellness (i.e. incorporates many areas relevant to mental health, does not focus on a specific diagnosis), overcomes major barriers to mental health care and uses a peer-delivery model. These attributes, taken together with the results of this study, present a care alternative for those with less access.

Mood Lifters for Seniors: Development and Evaluation of an Online, Peer-Led Mental Health Program for Older Adults

“…Mood Lifters for Seniors was adapted from an existing mental wellness program developed by two study co-authors (PJD and CMV). The original Mood Lifters program was developed iteratively through reviews of best practices in behavior change, positive psychology, and clinical interventions (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT] and dialectical behavior therapy), along with several pilot groups and revisions that culminated in a randomized control trial (Votta & Deldin, 2022). The Mood Lifters program consists of 15 weekly, hour-long peer-led meetings, with a focus on peer support and accountability for at-home practice of skills learned during group meetings.…”

“…Between meetings, members practice skills taught in group sessions and track them through a point system (e.g., 30 minutes of aerobic exercise counts as one point). In the original trial of the program, participants reported statistically significant improvements in anxiety, and those who completed more points or homework also reported statistically significant reductions in depression and perceived stress (Votta & Deldin, 2022). In the current study, we describe our adaptation of the Mood Lifters program for older adults.…”

Treatment for graduate students: Blunting the emotional toll of postgraduate education.

“…For this adaptation of the Mood Lifters program, all ML-GS leaders were also graduate students. Previous research on Mood Lifters found that Mood Lifters peer leaders are equally effective as professional leaders (i.e., clinically trained) in facilitating these groups (Votta & Deldin, 2022).…”

Enhancing child mental health in school and community settings: A pilot study of the kids’ empowerment program.

“…Modeled after the successful Kids’ Club program for children exposed to family violence (Graham-Bermann et al, 2007, 2015; Howell et al, 2015, 2013) and the Mood Lifters (Votta, 2020) program for adults, the primary mission of the Kids’ Empowerment Program (KEP; Graham-Bermann, 2018) is to enhance the well-being of school-age children while building their social, emotional, and coping skills. The 12-session KEP provides support and information while teaching children self-management skills based on techniques derived from a combination of best, evidence-based practices (e.g., using elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT, Beck, 2011), behavioral activation (BA, Mazzucchelli, 2016), brief BA (Funderburk et al, 2020), and interpersonal therapy (IPT, Cuijpers et al, 2016)).…”