ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to examine the general characteristics of PEERS®-YA intervention studies conducted with adults and to evaluate the methodological rigor of each study. To achieve this aim, the PRISMA procedure and the NTACT (2021) quality indicators were applied. The analysis of general characteristics revealed that PEERS®-YA was primarily implemented with young adults with autism spectrum disorder; however, some studies also included adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or major mental disorders. Parent sessions were consistently adapted based on cultural, environmental, and cognitive characteristics. Reported intervention effects were positive across domains such as social knowledge, social responsiveness and skills, autism-related characteristics, and psychological and mental health outcomes. Regarding methodological rigor, mixed-methods studies showed the highest rate of adherence to NTACT quality indicators, followed by single-case designs and group-experimental studies. When all studies were considered collectively, none met the criteria for ‘high-quality’ research, and only four group experimental studies (40%) were classified as having ‘acceptable high quality’. Based on these findings, this study discusses future directions for strengthening the methodological rigor of PEERS®-YA research.

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