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Objectives: This scoping review aimed to summarise available evidence relating to co-creation experiences among adults in diverse contexts. Understanding how participation in co-creation processes shapes experiences is important as it can offer insights into the improved development and effective use of such processes. Co-creation has increasingly gained attention due to its many claimed advantages and benefits to participants. There is however a lack of aggregated literature on stakeholders’ experience of the co-creation process.

Study design: Scoping review.

Methods: Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews was used. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus and the Health CASCADE Co-creation Database (an open access curated database of 13,501 articles, screened for inclusion based on criteria relating to co-creation participatory research). Themes were generated through thematic analysis.

Results: We included 80 publications. Positive co-creation experiences were linked to establishing interpersonal relationships and positive group dynamics, enhanced well-being, personal development, satisfaction and fulfilment. Negative experiences were associated with initial uncertainties, project-related challenges, interpersonal issues, dissatisfaction, and disengagement.

Conclusion: This review offers insights into how co-creation shaped experiences and demonstrates the scope and characteristics of co-creation experiences. It highlights the need for further research, particularly in understanding the mechanisms underpinning and explaining experiences and in strategies for promoting positive experiences and mitigating negative experiences.