Peer support in mental health services to reduce loneliness and emotional symptoms in Latin American

Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a significant public health issue, particularly among individuals with mental disorders, where it exacerbates symptoms and hinders recovery. This study evaluates changes in perceived loneliness and affective symptoms before and after participation in peer support groups for individuals with mental disorders in Colombia. Employing a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-intervention assessments, the study utilized a non-randomized sample of 130 participants. The University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale and the Self-Report Questionnaire were employed as assessment tools. The intervention was structured around core components of peer support. The findings revealed a substantial reduction in both loneliness and affective symptoms, with moderate effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.35, Z = 8.330 for loneliness; Cohen's d = 0.42, Z = 8.634 for affective symptoms). These results underscore the efficacy of peer support groups in community settings for mitigating loneliness and enhancing mental well-being. Additionally, they highlight the potential of incorporating individuals with lived experience as active agents in mental health service delivery.