Exploring the Acceptability of a Peer‐Delivered Mental Health Intervention to Support Young Adults With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

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Abstract
Background: Young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities lack access to mental health supports. Peer‐delivered services may fill this gap. We adapted a theory‐driven and evidence‐based peer mentoring intervention for virtual‐delivery and investigated its acceptability and participants' preliminary response.Methods: Twelve young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities participated in the 16‐week intervention and completed outcome measures at pre‐mentoring, post‐mentoring and 1‐month follow‐up. To evaluate acceptability, participants completed interviews and a survey. Preliminary response was measured with the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children and PROMIS short forms (Self‐efficacy for Managing Emotions, Anxiety, and Physical Stress).Results: Participants felt emotionally supported, increased self‐understanding, and learned to use coping strategies. Participants reported improvements in alexithymia, self‐efficacy for managing emotions and anxiety; no changes were observed for physical stress symptoms.Conclusions: Participants were satisfied with peer mentoring and data suggest it may have promise to support development of skills that support mental health outcomes.

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