Potential Benefits of Incorporating Peer-to-Peer Interactions Into Digital Interventions for Psychotic Disorders: A Systematic Review

Biagianti, Bruno; Quraishi, Sophia H.; Schlosser, Danielle A.

doi:10.1176/appi.ps.201700283

Cited by 90Digital Mental Health InterventionsMental Health and Patient InvolvementSchizophrenia research and treatment

Potential Benefits of Incorporating Peer-to-Peer Interactions Into Digital Interventions for Psychotic Disorders: A Systematic Review

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Biagianti, Bruno, Quraishi, Sophia H., Schlosser, Danielle A.·2018·Psychiatric Services

DOI 10.1176/appi.ps.201700283PMC PMC5988432

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Peer-to-peer interactions and support groups mitigate experiences of social isolation and loneliness often reported by individuals with psychotic disorders. Online peer-to-peer communication can promote broader use of this form of social support. Peer-to-peer interactions occur naturally on social media platforms, but they can negatively affect mental health. Recent digital interventions for persons with psychotic disorders have harnessed the principles of social media to incorporate peer-to-peer communication. This review examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of recent digital interventions in order to identify strategies to maximize benefits of online peer-to-peer communication for persons with psychotic disorders. METHODS: An electronic database search of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Health Technology Assessment Database was conducted in February 2017 and yielded a total of 1,015 results. Eight publications that reported data from six independent trials and five interventions were reviewed. RESULTS: The technology supporting peer-to-peer communication varied greatly across studies, from online forums to embedded social networking. When peer-to-peer interactions were moderated by facilitators, retention, engagement, acceptability, and efficacy were higher than for interventions with no facilitators. Individuals with psychotic disorders were actively engaged with moderated peer-to-peer communication and showed improvements in perceived social support. Studies involving service users in intervention design showed higher rates of acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with psychotic disorders value and benefit from digital interventions that include moderated peer-to-peer interactions. Incorporating peer-to-peer communication into digital interventions for this population may increase compliance with other evidence-based therapies by producing more acceptable and engaging online environments.

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Peer-to-peer support appeared to offer feasible and acceptable ways to augment digital mental health interventions for individuals with psychotic disorders by improving engagement, compliance, and adherence, and may also improve perceived social support.
“A recent review by Biagianti et al (2018) found that peer-to-peer support appeared to offer feasible and acceptable ways to augment digital mental health interventions for individuals with psychotic disorders by specifically improving engagement, compliance, and adherence to the interventions, and may also improve perceived social support (Biagianti, Quraishi, & Schlosser, 2018).”
From Social Media and Mental Health: Benefits, Risks, and Opportunities for Research and Practice (2020) · cites this paper as Biagianti, Quraishi, & Schlosser, 2018
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Valimaki, M. A., Anttila, M., Hätönen, H. M., Koivunen, M. H., Jakobsson, T., Pitkänen, A., Herrala, J., & Kuosmanen, L. (2008) · Informatics for Health and Social Care · doi:10.1080/17538150802127207 · Cited by 52 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Because perceived safety is known to influence the acceptability of online interactions (51), the digital environments should be secure (64), and online interactions should be regularly monitored and moderated (51,65).”
Background
Safety and Privacy Outcomes From a Moderated Online Social Therapy for Young People With First-Episode Psychosis
Gleeson, J., Lederman, R., Wadley, G., Bendall, S., McGorry, P. D., & Álvarez‐Jiménez, M. (2014) · Psychiatric Services · doi:10.1176/appi.ps.201300078 · Cited by 50 · cited 2× · see citing works
“Of the participants, 90% felt that moderation of peer-support specifically contributed to the safety (51).”
Background
Creating Live Interactions to Mitigate Barriers (CLIMB): A Mobile Intervention to Improve Social Functioning in People With Chronic Psychotic Disorders
Biagianti, B., Schlosser, D. A., Nahum, M., Woolley, J. D., & Vinogradov, S. (2016) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/mental.6671 · Cited by 41 · cited 16× · see citing works
“Therefore, the average task completion rate was 47% (53).”
BackgroundResultInfluentialSelf-citation
The role of social media networks in psychotic disorders: a case report
Krishna, N., Fischer, B. A., Miller, M., Register‐Brown, K., Patchan, K. M., & Hackman, A. L. (2012) · General Hospital Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2012.10.006 · Cited by 37 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Case studies have reported that some individuals experience delusions in regard to online interactionswith strangers, which seems to support this hypothesis (41,42).”
Background
Internet-related psychosis−a sign of the times.
Nitzan, U., Shoshan, E., Lev‐Ran, S., & Fennig, S. (2011) · PubMed · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Utilización de tecnologías móviles en pacientes con psicosis: una revisión sistemática
Bonet, L., Izquierdo, C., Escartí, M. J., Sancho, J. V., Arce, D., Blanquer, I., & Sanjuán, J. (2017) · Revista de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental · doi:10.1016/j.rpsm.2017.01.003 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Does the Internet offer social opportunities for individuals with schizophrenia? A cross-sectional pilot study
Spinzy, Y., Nitzan, U., Becker, G., Bloch, Y., & Fennig, S. (2012) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2012.02.022 · Cited by 36 · cited 1× · see citing works
“A survey found that adults with psychotic disorders were as likely as adults without mental illness to form social connections online despite having fewer offline relationships, lower income, and less Internet access (20).”
Background
Use of mobile technologies in patients with psychosis: A systematic review
Bonet, L., Izquierdo, C., Escartí, M. J., Sancho, J. V., Arce, D., Blanquer, I., & Sanjuán, J. (2017) · Revista de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (English Edition) · doi:10.1016/j.rpsmen.2017.05.010 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Economic Aspects of Peer Support Groups for Psychosis
Stant, A. D., Castelein, S., Bruggeman, R., van Busschbach, J. T., van der Gaag, M., Knegtering, H., & Wiersma, D. (2009) · Community Mental Health Journal · doi:10.1007/s10597-009-9193-8 · Cited by 27 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Research conducted with adults with psychotic disorders demonstrated that minimally guided peer support groups significantly increased social network size and social and emotional support; improved quality of life, self-efficacy, and self-esteem (9,10); and reduced relapse rates and symptoms (11,12).”
Background
Using internet enabled mobile devices and social networking technologies to promote exercise as an intervention for young first episode psychosis patients
Killackey, E. J., Anda, A. L., Gibbs, M., Álvarez‐Jiménez, M., Thompson, A. D., Sun, P., & Baksheev, G. (2011) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/1471-244x-11-80 · Cited by 26 · cited 1× · see citing works
“In addition, they offer opportunities for individuals with serious mental illness to challenge stigma, enhance behavioral activation, and access online interventions for mental and physical well-being (28,29).”
Background
Support Groups for People Who Have Experienced Psychosis
Hyde, P. (2001) · British Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.1177/030802260106400403 · Cited by 14 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Research conducted with adults with psychotic disorders demonstrated that minimally guided peer support groups significantly increased social network size and social and emotional support; improved quality of life, self-efficacy, and self-esteem (9,10); and reduced relapse rates and symptoms (11,12).”
Background
Guided Peer Support Groups for Schizophrenia: A Nursing Intervention
Castelein, S., Mulder, P. J., & Bruggeman, R. (2008) · Psychiatric Services · doi:10.1176/appi.ps.59.3.326 · Cited by 13 · cited 1× · see citing works
“This finding is consistent with evidence from research on in-person peer support groups for psychosis, in which minimal guidance from nurses or other mental health professionals is often necessary to overcome the cognitive and social difficulties that individuals with psychosis encounter when participating in group se…”
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Clinical review of user engagement with mental health smartphone apps: evidence, theory and improvements
Torous, J., Nicholas, J., Larsen, M. E., Firth, J., & Christensen, H. (2018) · Evidence Based Mental Health · doi:10.1136/eb-2018-102891 · Cited by 790 · see citing works
Social Media and Mental Health: Benefits, Risks, and Opportunities for Research and Practice
Naslund, J. A., Bondre, A., Torous, J., & Aschbrenner, K. A. (2020) · Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science · doi:10.1007/s41347-020-00134-x · Cited by 746 · see citing works
Digital Health Interventions for Delivery of Mental Health Care: Systematic and Comprehensive Meta-Review
Philippe, T. J., Sikder, N., Jackson, A., Koblanski, M. E., Liow, E., Pilarinos, A., & Vasarhelyi, K. (2022) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/35159 · Cited by 436 · see citing works
Digital Peer Support Mental Health Interventions for People With a Lived Experience of a Serious Mental Illness: Systematic Review
Fortuna, K. L., Naslund, J. A., LaCroix, J. M., Bianco, C. L., Brooks, J., Zisman‐Ilani, Y., Muralidharan, A., & Deegan, P. E. (2020) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/16460 · Cited by 237 · see citing works
“A prior review found that the addition of technology-mediated peer support might potentially enhance participant engagement and adherence to mental health interventions [13].”
Background
Evidence synthesis of digital interventions to mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public mental health: Rapid meta-review
Rauschenberg, C., Schick, A., Hirjak, D., Seidler, A., Paetzold, I., Apfelbacher, C., Riedel-Heller, S. G., & Reininghaus, U. (2021) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/23365 · Cited by 205 · see citing works
“This applies, in particular, for interventions including social components [32,42], strategies to promote user adherence [33,43], symptom monitoring [44,45], or a blended-care approach [46].”
Background
A Novel Multimodal Digital Service (Moderated Online Social Therapy+) for Help-Seeking Young People Experiencing Mental Ill-Health: Pilot Evaluation Within a National Youth E-Mental Health Service
Alvarez-Jimenez, M., Rice, S., D'Alfonso, S., Leicester, S., Bendall, S., Pryor, I., Russon, P., McEnery, C., Santesteban-Echarri, O., Da Costa, G., et al. (2020) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/17155 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
“Finally, online peer support showed promise in improving mental health outcomes [38,90], potentially improving intervention adherence and satisfaction [45,92], although some studies found no additional therapeutic effect of peer support compared with traditional online interventions [91].”
Background
The Effects of Nonclinician Guidance on Effectiveness and Process Outcomes in Digital Mental Health Interventions: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Leung, C., Pei, J., Hudec, K., Shams, F., Munthali, R., & Vigo, D. (2022) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/36004 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
“Further, a systematic review of peer-to-peer interactions in digital interventions reported that peer support yielded positive effects on effectiveness and adherence outcomes alongside increased perceptions of social support for individuals with psychotic disorders [16].”
Background
Digital health for quality healthcare: A systematic mapping of review studies
Ibrahim, M. S., Yusoff, H. M., Bakar, Y. I. A., Aung, M. M. T., Abas, M. I., & Ramli, R. A. (2022) · Digital Health · doi:10.1177/20552076221085810 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Combining online and offline peer support groups in community mental health care settings: a qualitative study of service users’ experiences
Strand, M., Eng, L. S., & Gammon, D. (2020) · International Journal of Mental Health Systems · doi:10.1186/s13033-020-00370-x · Cited by 86 · see citing works
“The service user consultant played a critical role in this study not only as a peer in line with international recommendations [71] and research [37], but also as moderator and facilitator for both formats.”
Background
How Inclusive, User-Centered Design Research Can Improve Psychological Therapies for Psychosis: Development of SlowMo
Hardy, A., Wojdecka, A. B., West, J., Matthews, E., Golby, C., Ward, T., Lopez, N. D., Freeman, D. H., Waller, H., Kuipers, E., et al. (2018) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/11222 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
“However, dependent on the trial outcomes, there are several target areas for further innovation, which may involve additional behavior change methods and technologies (eg, embodied conversational agents, online support groups, instant messaging, wearable biofeedback, and gamification) [68-71].”
Background
Risks to Privacy With Use of Social Media: Understanding the Views of Social Media Users With Serious Mental Illness
Naslund, J. A., & Aschbrenner, K. A. (2019) · Psychiatric Services · doi:10.1176/appi.ps.201800520 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
“Additionally, a recent review found that peer-to-peer interactions, which is a common feature of social media, can potentially enhance engagement and retention in digital interventions among persons with psychosis (13).”
A Survey of Resource Management in D2D Communication for B5G Networks
Alibraheemi, A. M. H., Hindia, M. N., Dimyati, K., Izam, T. F. T. M. N., Yahaya, J. B., Qamar, F., & Abdullah, Z. H. (2023) · IEEE Access · doi:10.1109/access.2023.3238799 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
“Peer-to-peer (P2P) communication is another name for D2D communication [26].”
Background
Digital technology for health promotion: opportunities to address excess mortality in persons living with severe mental disorders
Naslund, J. A., & Aschbrenner, K. A. (2019) · Evidence Based Mental Health · doi:10.1136/ebmental-2018-300034 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
“9 43 While still targeting individual level risk factors, such as exercise, diet or illness self-management, these initial efforts demonstrate the feasibility of technology for engaging peers and social relationships to support positive health behaviour change.”
Background
Effectiveness of digital technology interventions to reduce loneliness in adults: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Shah, S. G. S., Nogueras, D., van Woerden, H. C., & Kiparoglou, V. (2019) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032455 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
“35 However, loneliness in older people can create serious problems that could not be alleviated with the social support only 32 ; other types of interventions are required such as technological interventions (eg, digital applications (apps), online social networks and social robots) to enhance…”
Background
Digital technology for addressing cognitive impairment in recent-onset psychosis: A perspective
Bell, I. H., Pot-Kolder, R., Wood, S. J., Nelson, B., Acevedo, N., Stainton, A., Nicol, K., Kean, J. D., Bryce, S., Bartholomeusz, C. F., et al. (2022) · Schizophrenia Research Cognition · doi:10.1016/j.scog.2022.100247 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Harnessing the Potential of Social Media to Develop the Next Generation of Digital Health Treatments in Youth Mental Health
Valentine, L., McEnery, C., D’Alfonso, S., Phillips, J., Bailey, E., & Alvarez-Jimenez, M. (2019) · Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry · doi:10.1007/s40501-019-00184-w · Cited by 26 · see citing works
The service user experience of SlowMo therapy: A co‐produced thematic analysis of service users’ subjective experience
Greenwood, K., Gurnani, M., Ward, T., Vogel, E., Vella, C., McGourty, A., Robertson, S., Sacadura, C., Hardy, A., Rus‐Calafell, M., et al. (2022) · Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory Research and Practice · doi:10.1111/papt.12393 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“This experience of viewing others who are coping with similar experiences to oneself is an important factor that enhances acceptability and engagement with interventions (Biagianti et al., 2018).”
Telehealth and the Community SMI Population
Talley, R. M., Brunette, M. F., Adler, D. A., Dixon, L. B., Berlant, J. L., Erlich, M. D., Goldman, B., First, M. B., Koh, S., Oslin, D. W., et al. (2020) · The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease · doi:10.1097/nmd.0000000000001254 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“Studies have demonstrated the growing availability of mobile phones and acceptability of receiving remote health interventions among individuals with SMI (Biagianti et al., 2018; Firth et al., 2016; Naslund et al., 2016; Santesteban-Echarri et al., 2020).”
Background
Engagement in Digital Mental Health Interventions: Can Monetary Incentives Help?
Boucher, E. M., Ward, H. E., Mounts, A. C., & Parks, A. C. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.746324 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Health service utilisation and access for people who inject drugs during COVID ‐19
Efunnuga, H., Higgs, P., Walker, S., & O’Keefe, D. (2022) · Drug and Alcohol Review · doi:10.1111/dar.13456 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
“In addition, online peer support groups that are moderated by either a peer or a professional have been shown to be more effective in providing mental health support compared to nonmoderated online peer support groups [32,33].”
Background
Digitally supported CBT to reduce paranoia and improve reasoning for people with schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis: the SlowMo RCT
Garety, P. A., Ward, T., Emsley, R., Greenwood, K., Freeman, D. H., Fowler, D. G., Kuipers, E., Bebbington, P., Dunn, G., & Hardy, A. (2021) · Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation · doi:10.3310/eme08110 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Digital interventions for subjective and objective social isolation among individuals with mental health conditions: a scoping review
Toh, G., Pearce, E., Vines, J., Ikhtabi, S., Birken, M., Pitman, A., & Johnson, S. (2022) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/s12888-022-03889-0 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Development of the eTAP-T: A measure of mental health professionals' attitudes and process towards e-interventions
Clough, B. A., Rowland, D. P., & Casey, L. M. (2019) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2019.100288 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Improving social functioning in people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders via mobile experimental interventions: Results from the CLIMB pilot trial.
Dabit, S., Quraishi, S. H., Jordan, J. T., & Biagianti, B. (2021) · Schizophrenia Research Cognition · doi:10.1016/j.scog.2021.100211 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Self-citation
Accessibility of mental health support in China and preferences on web-based services for mood disorders: A qualitative study
Tan, Y., Lattie, E. G., Qiu, Y., Teng, Z., Wu, C., Tang, H., & Chen, J. (2021) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2021.100475 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Core Competencies to Promote Consistency and Standardization of Best Practices for Digital Peer Support: Focus Group Study
Collins-Pisano, C., Court, J. V., Johnson, M., Mois, G., Brooks, J., Myers, A., Muralidharan, A., Storm, M., Wright, M., Berger, N., et al. (2021) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/30221 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
“As referenced in the scientific evidence, peer support has expanded from in-person services to telemental health services prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (eg, warmlines) [7].”
Exploring the Impact of Digital Peer Support Services on Meeting Unmet Needs Within an Employee Assistance Program: Retrospective Cohort Study
Nagra, H., Mines, R. A., & Dana, Z. (2025) · JMIR Human Factors · doi:10.2196/68221 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
Meeting the Unmet Needs of Individuals With Mental Disorders: Scoping Review on Peer-to-Peer Web-Based Interactions
Storman, D., Jemioło, P., Świerz, M. J., Sawiec, Z., Antonowicz, E., Prokop‐Dorner, A., Gotfryd-Burzyńska, M., & Bała, M. M. (2022) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/36056 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“So far, studies assessing peer-to-peer interactions, including systematic reviews [51-53], have focused on the efficacy of such interactions.”
Background
How early stigmatizing experiences, peer connections, and peer spaces influenced pathways to employment or education after a first-episode of psychosis.
Blajeski, S. M., Klodnick, V. V., Caruso, N., & Sale, T. G. (2021) · Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal · doi:10.1037/prj0000502 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
What is the volume, diversity and nature of recent, robust evidence for the use of peer support in health and social care? An evidence and gap map
Price, A., de Bell, S., Shaw, N., Bethel, A. C., Anderson, R., & Coon, J. T. (2022) · Campbell Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/cl2.1264 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Resilience eDBT: Development and Usability Evaluation of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training App for Eating Disorders
Anderson, C., Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz, M., Messer, M., & Linardon, J. (2024) · International Journal of Eating Disorders · doi:10.1002/eat.24258 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
South African university students’ experiences of online group cognitive behavioural therapy: Implications for delivering digital mental health interventions to young people
Hunt, X., Jivan, D. C., Naslund, J. A., Breet, E., & Bantjes, J. R. (2023) · Cambridge Prisms Global Mental Health · doi:10.1017/gmh.2023.39 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
“Management of group dynamics in therapy is a wellestablished area of study in traditional psychotherapy (Bion, 1952; Sutherland, 1985; Scheidlinger, 1997), and is receiving increasing attention for online groups (Biagianti et al., 2018; Weinberg, 2020, 2021).”
Background
Subjective Smartphone Screen Time and Co-morbid Mental Illness
Noel, J. K., Jacob, S., Wensley, I. A., & Rosenthal, S. R. (2022) · Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science · doi:10.1007/s41347-022-00276-0 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Optimizing Engagement With a Smartphone App to Prevent Violence Against Adolescents: Results From a Cluster Randomized Factorial Trial in Tanzania
Janowski, R., Cluver, L. D., Shenderovich, Y., Wamoyi, J., Wambura, M., Stern, D., Clements, L., Meléndez‐Torres, G. J., Baerecke, L., Ornellas, A., et al. (2025) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/60102 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
“In addition to peer support benefits, findings from a systematic review of digital mental health interventions suggest that peer-to-peer groups are particularly effective in promoting engagement and retention when moderated by trained professionals [78].”
Critical behavioral traits foster peer engagement in Online Mental Health Communities
Srivastava, A., Gupta, T., Cerezo, A., Lord, S. P., Akhtar, M. S., & Chakraborty, T. (2025) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0316906 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
MOSS-6 : a multi-label dataset and deep learning model for detecting diverse social support-seeking behaviours in online mental health communities
Kim, J., Park, O.-Y., & Park, E. (2025) · Information Communication & Society · doi:10.1080/1369118x.2025.2460558 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“This suggests that structured moderation can further enhance the quality and effectiveness of the support provided (Biagianti et al., 2018; Naslund et al., 2016; Rodgers & Chen, 2005; Smith-Merry et al., 2019; Thomas et al., 2016).”
Loneliness in schizophrenia: Just loneliness
Holt, D. J. (2025) · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1111/nyas.70022 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Several studies of these programs initially found some preliminary evidence for beneficial effects of these interventions on loneliness and isolation in people with psychotic disorders, 176,177 but these effects were not confirmed in subsequent, more rigorously controlled effectiveness trials.”
Improving adherence to a web-based cognitive-behavioural therapy program for social anxiety with group sessions: A randomised control trial
Sigurðardóttir, S., Helgadóttir, F. D., Menzies, R. E., Sighvatsson, M. B., & Menzies, R. G. (2022) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2022.100535 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Digital peer support interventions for people with mental health conditions in outpatient settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Croke, S., Tyler, N., Low, C.-N., Gkintoni, E., Angelakis, I., Eylem, Ö., Hodkinson, A., McMillan, B., & Panagioti, M. (2026) · BMJ Mental Health · doi:10.1136/bmjment-2025-302275 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
How do users of a mental health app conceptualise digital therapeutic alliance? A qualitative study using the framework approach
Taylor, T., D’Alfonso, S., Dolan, M. J. T., Yiend, J., & Jacobsen, P. C. (2025) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-025-23603-5 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“This is supported by evidence from a systematic review on peer-to-peer interactions in digital interventions for psychosis, which found that those including moderated peer-to-peer contact were more engaging and acceptable to users and appeared to have increased compliance [37].”
Using a digital personal recovery resource in routine mental health practice: feasibility, acceptability and outcomes
Farhall, J., Castle, D. J., Constantine, E., Foley, F., Kyrios, M., Rossell, S. L., Arnold, C., Leitan, N., Villagonzalo, K.-A., Brophy, L. M., et al. (2022) · Journal of Mental Health · doi:10.1080/09638237.2022.2118688 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Combining elements of these approaches, there is potential for digital technology to provide a further vehicle for learning from peers (Biagianti et al., 2018; Naslund et al., 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group CONTACT Neil Thomas neilthomas@swin.edu.au Centre for Mental…”
Background
Under the Tech Umbrella: Assessing the Landscape of Telemedicine Innovations (Telemechron Study)
Morelli, S., D’Avenio, G., Daniele, C., Grigioni, M., & Giansanti, D. (2024) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare12060615 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“Biagianti B et al. [40] Focused on psychotic disorders, this systematic review explores the TA domain of the acceptance and potential benefits of incorporating peer-to-peer interactions into digital interventions.”
BackgroundInfluential
THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE INTERNET, SOCIAL MEDIA AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY USE WITH DISEASE SEVERITY AND FUNCTIONALITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SEVERE MENTAL DISORDERS
Oluğ, S. T., Balaban, Ö. D., Gül, Ö., & Altin, M. O. (2023) · Nöro Psikiyatri Arşivi · doi:10.29399/npa.28315 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
The Role of Technology in Mental Health: Evaluating Digital Interventions for Psychological Well-being
Das, P. J., Kyndait, P., Jamir, S. I., Baishya, D., Kalita, J. K., & Komu, L. T. (2024) · International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology · doi:10.32628/ijsrst24116186 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Psychological and socio-contextual factors influencing preventive healthcare decision-making: evidence from IT and ITES companies in three cities of India
Krishna, J. S. R., Haque, M. A., Gattupalli, K., Ashrafunnisa, M., & Boobalan, K. (2025) · BMC Health Services Research · doi:10.1186/s12913-025-13722-5 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Parsing stigma's relationship with the psychosocial functioning of youth identified as at clinical high risk for psychosis: evaluating whether symptom stigma or labelling stigma is stronger
Yang, L. H., Grivel, M. M., Blasco, D., Girgis, R. R., Huang, D., Woodberry, K. A., Corcoran, C. M., McFarlane, W. R., & Link, B. G. (2024) · The British Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1192/bjp.2024.209 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Development and implementation of a Facebook-based peer-to-peer support group for caregivers of children with health care needs in New Brunswick
Kelly, K. J., Luke, A., & Doucet, S. A. (2021) · Healthy Populations Journal · doi:10.15273/hpj.v1i1.10644 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“The use of moderators was posited to be an important contribution to the activity levels (i.e., success) and long-term sustainability of online P2P support groups (Biagianti et al., 2018).”
Background
Using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework to optimize an intervention to increase COVID-19 testing for Black and Latino/Hispanic frontline essential workers: A study protocol
Gwadz, M. V., Cleland, C. M., Lizardo, M., Hawkins, R. L., Bangser, G., Parameswaran, L., Stanhope, V., Robinson, J. A., Karim, S., Hollaway, T., et al. (2022) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-022-13576-0 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Insights and Recommendations From Moderators and Community Members for Keeping Online Peer Support Safe: Thematic Analysis
Jones, H. G., Lavelle, G., Aylwin‐Foster, E., Regan, C., Simpson, A., Carr, E., Hotopf, M. H., & Lawrence, V. C. (2026) · Journal of Medical Internet Research · doi:10.2196/81943 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“Indeed, moderated communities have been found to have higher engagement, perceived social support, and acceptability to members than unmoderated communities [41].”
Social Media and Early Psychosis Intervention: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Li, I., Estafanous, A., Choudhury, M. D., Álvarez‐Jiménez, M., & Birnbaum, M. L. (2024) · Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry · doi:10.1007/s40501-024-00314-z · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Another focus has been on developing interventions that incorporate the unique and engaging features of social media, such as 24/7 accessibility and innovative modalities for social interactions [76].”
Transforming Telemedicine: Strategic Lessons and Metrics from Italy’s Telemechron Project (Telemechron Study)
Jayousi, S., Cinelli, M., Bigazzi, R., Bianchi, S., Scalvini, S., Borghi, G., Bernocchi, P., Inchiostro, S., Giovanazzi, A., Mastellaro, M., et al. (2025) · Technologies · doi:10.3390/technologies13020044 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Information behavior and the subjective digital well-being of individuals affected by social anxiety disorder
Dewitz, L. (2025) · Journal of Documentation · doi:10.1108/jd-07-2024-0180 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Integrating Lived Experience Perspectives Into Clinical Practice
van Zelst, C. (2019) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-815012-2.00029-8 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
The Impact of a Brief Psycho-Education and Skills Intervention on Trauma Symptoms in a Prison Setting: Proof of Concept Using Group and Case Analysis
Winsor, M., Gobbett, M. J., & Davies, J. (2025) · International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology · doi:10.1177/0306624x251405449 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
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Authors: Biagianti, B., Quraishi, S. H., & Schlosser, D. A.
Affiliations: University of California, San Francisco (US)
Corresponding author: Biagianti, Bruno
ORCID: Biagianti, Bruno
Schlosser, Danielle A.
Venue: Psychiatric Services
Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing
Published: 2018-04-01
Volume: 69
Issue: 4
Pages: 377-388
ISSN: 0022-1597 (ISSN-L)
1075-2730
1557-9700
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201700283
PMC: PMC5988432
OpenAlex: W2773363546
Cited by: 90
References: 74
Citations by year: 2026: 11 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 3
FWCI: 0.47
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: bronze
doi.org
Locations: Psychiatric Services (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
BOA (University of Milano-Bicocca) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders: National Institute of Mental Health (T32MH018261)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mental Health and Patient Involvement
Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
Keywords: peer interaction, digital interventions, psychosis, online peer support, social support, social isolation, loneliness, social media, online forums, social networking, treatment acceptability, user engagement
MeSH terms: Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Peer Group, Psychotherapy, Psychotic Disorders, Telemedicine, Social Media

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Potential Benefits of Incorporating Peer-to-Peer Interactions Into Digital Interventions for Psychotic Disorders: A Systematic Review

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