Occupational Stressors and Resources of Peer Workers in Social Psychiatry

Abstract

Peer Support Workers (PW) were asked about stressors and resources and how stressful or relieving they perceived them to be. Questionnaire-based survey RESULTS: 175 PW were included in the data analysis and identified stressors and resources in their daily work. Psychological security and autonomy are the most frequently mentioned resources, while role clarity is the least frequently mentioned. Autonomy can also be more of a burden than a resource, especially in combination with a lack of role clarity. PW rarely feel stigmatized by their colleagues. However, when they do, they find it very stressful. Relevant stressors were uncertainty about decisions made, problems with the team culture, or perceived inadequate role fulfillment by the team. The lack of clarity about work processes and the roles of all participants is a significant stressor, despite the availability of relevant resources.