193 Summary and General discussion 7 support has been identified as an important condition for recovery (Heinsch et al., 2022; Klinger et al., 2020; McAneney et al., 2015). In addition, we would like to consider contextual factors influencing the effects of informal interventions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 restrictions may have impeded its value in forensic patients, as restrictions prevented patients from engaging in social interactions and activities with the volunteer coach (chapter 4 and 6). Although in chapter 6 we demonstrated that social relationships of patients generally did not further deteriorate due to COVID-19 restrictions, we also found no improvements (over time). Moreover, patients mentioned negative experiences related to social contacts and daily activities (i.e., increased social isolation and reduced social participation), and to mental health and wellbeing (i.e., decreased availability of mental health services) during the pandemic. Other impeding factors might be socio-environmental problems and personal health. Employment, marital status, physical health, and personality traits (e.g., hope and sense of purpose) have been positively related to mental wellbeing (Heinsch et al., 2022; McAneney et al., 2015). Our study sample consisted of patients with cooccurring financial problems, unstable housing, unstable romantic relationships, and physical problems. Although speculative, the combination of these problems as well as the longevity of problems are likely to negatively affect a sense of hope and purpose. In sum, we hypothesize that social network interventions require ongoing efforts and longer timeframes to prove a subjective and sustainable value for patients (Pettus‐Davis et al., 2017). Furthermore, we conclude that, beyond improving supportive social networks, more is apparently needed to effectively improve mental wellbeing of forensic psychiatric patients. Value for volunteers Regarding the value for volunteers, we demonstrated that participation in the social network intervention increased an understanding in patients’ lives and behaviors, increased awareness of privileges, and reduced stigmatic beliefs about forensic psychiatric patients – broadened their worldview and beliefs (chapter 4). Additionally, participation provided an opportunity to become personally acquainted with other populations in society and to help individuals as well as society, contributing to a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Moreover, volunteer coaches mentioned that they enjoyed spending time with patients. Noteworthy, there were also no unpleasant or adverse experiences (e.g., aggression or conflicts) between patients and volunteer coaches. Similar experiences have been previously reported by volunteers who were matched to psychiatric patients,
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