Are There Mental Health Benefits for Those Who Deliver Peer Support? A Mobile App Intervention for Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Background/Objectives: Peer support offers a promising approach for improving psychosocial outcomes among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, research has focused largely on the recipients of peer support rather than the individuals who provide support. This pilot study investigates the impact of delivering support on diabetes distress and other secondary mental health outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms, resilience, and perceived social support). Methods: This pre–post single-cohort study recruited 44 adults with T1D who underwent a six-hour Zoom-based peer supporter training program designed to equip them with support-related skills (asking open-ended questions, making reflections, expressing empathy). Of this group, 36 served as peer supporters for REACHOUT, a six-month mental health support intervention delivered via mobile app. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after six months and measured diabetes distress (Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale), depressive symptomatology (Patient Health Questionnaire-8), resilience (Diabetes Strengths and Resilience Measure), and perceived social support. Unadjusted and adjusted linear mixed models were performed for each outcome measure of interest. Results: Peer supporters had a mean age of 41 ± 16 years, with a majority identifying as female (75%). At baseline, peer supporters had little to no diabetes distress (50%) and no to mild depressive symptomatology (72%). Mean scores at baseline for diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, resilience, and perceived social support were sustained at 6 months post-intervention. Conclusions: Among peer supporters whose diabetes distress scores start around the target range, ongoing maintenance of these levels may reflect a favorable outcome associated with delivering mental health support.