Peer-delivered information
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Peer-delivered Information and Empowerment Research Study (PIERS)
IRAS ID
240428
Contact name
Melissa Pyle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
GMMH
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
People who experience a mental health difficulty called psychosis often report that they experience stigma and discrimination because of their mental health difficulties. This can present as a barrier to peoples recovery. Around 40% of people who experience psychosis report that the negative public beliefs about psychosis can affect their self-identity. This is referred to as internalised stigma and it can result is loss of hope, optimism, depression and disempowerment, and act as a barrier to recovery. We know little about how best to support people with issues of IS. However, there is an indication from research that providing people with information that counteracts stigma can be helpful (this is called psychoeducation) in reducing IS as can peer delivered interventions. Peer support involves people who have a shared experience, for example, of a mental health problem, offering support and help to each other. The aim of this study is to test the feasibility of peer-delivered psychoeducation for internalised stigma (IS) experienced by people with early psychosis. We will recruit individuals who have experience of psychosis, are in an Early Intervention for Psychosis service (EIP) and report IS. The feasibility, acceptability and safety of the peer-delivered intervention will be tested. We aim to recruit ten participants. All participants will be allocated to receive up to eight sessions of peer support in addition to treatment as usual (TAU). Participants will complete an assessment at baseline, 2 months (end of treatment) and 4 months (2 months follow-up). Findings will help shape the parameters of an application to the NIHR for further funding and this will include the intervention manual, protocol, measures, recruitment and retention.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0417
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion