A Pilot Program of a Peer Support Group by and for Formerly Incarcerated Women

Authors

Lauren Nguyen, University of California, Davis
Will Boles, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Kenyatta Anderson, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Dolfinette Martin, Southern Women with Amazing Purpose
Anjali Niyogi, Tulane University School of Medicine
Ashley Wennerstrom, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2025

Publication Title

Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action

Abstract

Background: Women leaving incarceration face numerous barriers to reentry, including lack of social support, mental health conditions, and trauma. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of developing and implementing a peer-support group by and for formerly incarcerated women (FIW). Methods: A draft peer support curriculum was developed and refined based on a focus group with FIW. The program was implemented and participants engaged in a follow-up focus group to provide feedback. Results: Participants reported several benefits of participation, positive experiences regarding program logistics and content, and they valued having an FIW as the facilitator. Conclusions: A peer support intervention by and for FIW was well-received. Additional research is needed to assess whether such an intervention can improve mental health among FIW.

First Page

55

Last Page

62

PubMed ID

40223628

Volume

19

Issue

1

Recommended Citation

Nguyen, Lauren; Boles, Will; Anderson, Kenyatta; Martin, Dolfinette; Niyogi, Anjali; and Wennerstrom, Ashley, "A Pilot Program of a Peer Support Group by and for Formerly Incarcerated Women" (2025). School of Public Health Faculty Publications. 500.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/soph_facpubs/500
10.1353/CPR.2025.A956597