The feasibility and impact of online peer support on the well-being of higher education students

Maureen Drysdale · Margaret L. McBeath · Sarah A. Callaghan

30 citations0/0 files storedThe Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice

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Student Stress and Coping Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction Digital Mental Health Interventions

Abstract

Purpose Peer support has been identified as an important protective factor for mental health and overall well-being. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of implementing an online peer support group and its impact on measures of well-being. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods randomized controlled trial design was used to examine the feasibility and impact of online peer support. Comparisons in well-being were made between the online peer support group and an in-person peer support group and control group. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group or either a six-week in-person or online peer support group. All participants completed an online survey measuring constructs of well-being pre- and post-condition. Additionally, qualitative data regarding the benefits of peer support and in particular the efficacy of the online format were collected from participants. Analysis of variance and post hoc tests determined significant differences within and between the groups. Findings Both the online and face-to-face peer support groups scored significantly higher on post-test measures of well-being than pre-test scores and control group scores. Qualitative narratives and significant quantitative findings supported the feasibility of peer support offered online. Post-condition outcomes showed that online peer support is as effective as in-person peer support for improving well-being. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to compare online and in-person peer support programs for students in higher education. The results have direct implications for higher education students and practitioners, especially at times when face-to-face support is not feasible.

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2020The psychological impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on college students in China 2020Closure of Universities Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact on Education and Mental Health of Students and Academic Staff 2019Social networks, social capital, social support and academic success in higher education: A systematic review with a special focus on ‘underrepresented’ students 2016Social media use and anxiety in emerging adults 2019The role of sources of social support on depression and quality of life for university students 2017Social Network Sites and Well-Being: The Role of Social Connection 2019Is social network site usage related to depression? A meta-analysis of Facebook–depression relations 2020When social isolation is nothing new: A longitudinal study on psychological distress during COVID-19 among university students with and without preexisting mental health concerns.

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