203 Summary and General discussion 7 learned that forensic patients with observed social network problems and needs often did not want to be matched to a volunteer, as they had enough people in their personal network. Therefore, we would like to address the potential benefits of including existing social network members (i.e., natural supporters), such as family, friends, and neighbors (van Dam et al., 2018). Second, future research is recommended to examine whether effects of social network interventions could be improved if mutual support between participants (e.g., patients and volunteers) instead of unidirectional support (i.e., from volunteers towards a patient) is emphasized, as giving support may be as important as receiving support (Seebohm et al., 2013). The exchange of support might increase self-esteem and a sense of mattering, positively affecting mental wellbeing (Pernice et al., 2017; Thoits, 2011). Third, in future studies it might be possible to examine the use of multiple approaches to improve treatment outcomes (Heaney & Israel, 2008). Specifically, for patients who lack the social skills to develop and maintain a relationship, a social skills training could be studied in addition to an informal social network intervention. Furthermore, digital platforms or applications might be combined with one-on-one support from volunteers (Alvarez‐Jimenez et al., 2021; Lim et al., 2023). Lastly, the optimal duration of interventions needed to effectively enhance supportive social networks should be explored, such as open-ended informal interventions versus informal interventions with a strict timeframe. Implications for clinical practice and policy Although much work is still needed to better understand what works for which individual patient, the findings suggest that social network interventions in addition to usual care are effective in improving treatment outcomes in (forensic) psychiatric patients. Therefore, the findings presented in this dissertation have implications for clinical practice and policy. Clinical practice First of all, we strongly encourage clinicians to address social network enhancement in mental health treatment of (forensic) psychiatric patients with complex and chronic problems. Multiple interventions aimed at enhancing social network characteristics are available (chapter 2). Although at this point, no best option clearly emerged, it is recommendable to tailor interventions to social network needs and resources of individual patients (Beckers et al., 2022; Heaney & Israel, 2008). Second, regarding forensic psychiatric care specifically, our findings indicate that the addition of the informal social network intervention to usual care is more effective in reducing hospitalization duration and criminal behavior in patients compared to usual care
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