Yogyakarta, 25 June 2025 – A recent study titled “Lived experience in mental health research in Ghana and Indonesia: What have we learned?”, authored by a team including Hannan Legend Tizaa, .., [Diana Setiyawati, Wulan Nur Jatmika] et al., has been published in the journal PLOS Mental Health, Volume 2(6), e0000344.
This study explores the experiences of nine peer researchers who have firsthand experience with mental health conditions in Ghana and Indonesia. These peer researchers were involved throughout the entire research process—starting from the design stage, qualitative data collection, and participatory arts-based methods, through to analysis and dissemination.
The key findings reveal that involving peer researchers—individuals with lived experience in mental health issues—provides a range of positive outcomes. For the peer researchers themselves, participation contributed to research skill development, boosted confidence, and offered a platform to voice their personal experiences. Additionally, their involvement fostered a more supportive work environment where their insights and perspectives were valued equally.
However, the study also identified significant challenges. Peer researchers often struggled to balance personal needs with research responsibilities. Other issues included job insecurity, inflexible contracts, and power imbalances between academic researchers and peer researchers. Furthermore, limited initial training and lack of professional preparation hindered their full potential in contributing to the project.
As an essential part of the lessons learned and recommendations, the study encourages the engagement of researchers with lived experience from the early stages of research design, including budgeting and training. It also highlights the need for creating safe spaces and mental health support, ensuring fair and transparent compensation, and providing long-term career development opportunities across the research cycle.
Why does this matter?
Meaningful participation of peer researchers supports a more inclusive global mental health agenda. This approach aligns with the principle of “nothing about us without us,” recognizing those with lived experience as equal partners in research. Moreover, the local and reflective insights brought by peer researchers enrich the understanding of mental health issues in the Global South—particularly in contexts like Indonesia and Ghana.
This study is the result of an international collaboration funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council International Networks for Disability Inclusive Development. The project involved leading institutions such as the University of Ghana, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Yogyakarta), University of Essex (formerly University of Warwick), Middlesex University London, along with the support of local advocacy groups such as Champions for Mental Health International (Ghana) and Komunitas Peduli Skizofrenia Indonesia (KPSI) Yogyakarta branch.
This article strongly aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially:
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, focusing on mental health as an integral part of well-being, particularly target 3.4.
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by addressing the voices and inclusion of people with mental health conditions in developing countries.
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SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through international, cross-sector collaboration.
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SDG 4: Quality Education, by building research capacity and increasing mental health literacy in communities.
Thus, the contribution of this study reflects an interdisciplinary approach that supports multiple global development goals simultaneously.
Abstract
(Already provided in English; unchanged)
Article link: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmen.0000344
Congratulations to Bu Diana Setiyawati, Mbak Wulan Nur Jatmika, and the entire author team.
Writer & Editor: UP & Public Relations Team