Peer Support Research Articles

Locked-down learning amid COVID-19: young refugees in Greece and their supporters co-navigating a new crisis

ABSTRACT Greece, and the hundreds of thousands of refugees currently trapped in the country, are no strangers to ‘crisis’. Financial collapse and migration mismanagement were already severely impacting newcomers’ ability to participate in education before COVID-19 lockdowns made the situation even more dire. Based on interviews from a study on young refugees’ (aged 15–25) engagement with education in Greece, this paper explores how exactly lockdowns impacted learning and compounded pre-existing issues. It details how crisis was felt at the micro level as lost and disrupted learning opportunities, and as uncertainty and immobility – demonstrating the social, material and affective impacts of crises in the everyday. The paper also shows how youth expressed their relational agency by navigating constraints with the support of peers, educators and non-governmental organisations, even as technological and family-related issues came into play and supporters (or ‘co-navigators’) faced their own bureaucratic and practical hurdles. It concludes by arguing for sustained financial and political support for refugee-serving organisations, alongside greater flexibility and accessibility in the public education system.

Postcertification Wages Among Certified Peer Specialists Working in Peer Support and Other Occupations.

Although certification can raise the status of peer support work, certified peer specialists (CPSs) may continue to face financial hardship that affects their employment choices. This study aimed to explore how wages and financial well-being changed for CPSs over a 3-year postcertification period. This study examined wages, job characteristics, and financial well-being for a cohort of 448 employed CPSs working in peer support (PS) or other, nonpeer (NP) jobs during the study period. Self-report survey data were collected on current jobs, hours worked, and job tenure. Financial well-being was assessed by using the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Financial Well-Being Scale. Differences in job characteristics over time were described by using chi-square and t tests, and mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to model job attributes and financial well-being. Hourly wages for both PS and NP jobs increased significantly between 2020 and 2022, with smaller increases for PS than for NP positions. Individuals with PS jobs were significantly more likely to have longer job tenures than those with NP jobs. Higher hourly wages were associated with a greater likelihood of longer job tenure. Financial well-being did not improve significantly over time. The larger wage increases and shorter tenures characteristic of NP jobs, relative to PS positions, suggest that workers may have switched from PS jobs to other jobs to improve their financial and career mobility opportunities. CPSs are part of a trend in the general U.S. adult population of declining financial well-being, despite increased wages.

Effects of Peer Support Work in Psychiatry: A Systematic Literature Review of Reviews

The current systematic review summarizes reviews on effects of formalized peer support work in clinical psychiatric settings in order to obtain an up-to-date picture of the current state of evidence. Search in five electronic databases for relevant literature reviews regarding effects of peer support work in psychiatric settings. Database searches were complemented by a hand search. 16 reviews were found. They evaluate effects of peer support on clinical or psychosocial outcomes. No consistent effects are found for clinical outcomes. Small positive tendencies occur for psychosocial outcomes. The authors of the reviews consistently mentioned the low quality of the primary studies. Therefore, the present results can rather be interpreted as a preliminary tendency. Further studies are necessary for evaluation of peer support in a more differentiated way.

Associations between violence in childhood, depression and suicide attempts in adolescence: evidence from a cohort study in Luwero district, Uganda

BackgroundMany studies have documented an association between violence victimisation and poor mental health. However, few studies use longitudinal data from low- and middle-income countries with attention to how associations differ by experiencing specific types of violence or alongside different contexts of peer and family support. In this study, we quantify the association between experiences of violence in early adolescence and depression and suicide attempts in late adolescence and explore whether this association is modified by family and peer connectedness.MethodsData came from the Contexts of Violence Against Children (CoVAC) cohort study in Luwero District, Uganda, involving 2773 participants aged 11–14 years at Wave 1 (2014) and 15–18 years at Wave 2 (2018). Physical, sexual, and emotional violence were measured at Wave 1. Mental health outcomes, depression symptoms in the past two weeks, and lifetime suicide attempts were measured at Wave (2) We used logistic regression models, stratified by sex, to estimate adjusted odds ratios with an interaction term to test for effect modification by peer and family connectedness at Wave 1.FindingsAt Wave 1, the prevalence of any violence from any perpetrator was 90% (physical violence: 87%, physical violence excluding caning: 68%, sexual violence: 6.3%, emotional violence: 56.8%). At Wave 2, 13.3% of participants had scores indicative of depression and 4.3% reported ever attempting suicide. Physical violence excluding caning, emotional violence, and sexual violence during early adolescence increased the odds of depression and attempting suicide in late adolescence for both boys and girls. Experiencing any violence (including caning) in early adolescence was not associated with depression in late adolescence, including in sex-stratified models. Childhood experience of any violence was associated with a suicide attempt violence in early adolescence (aOR: 2.60; 95%CI: 1.08, 6.27). High peer support mitigated the effect of any violence and physical violence on depression.ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of efforts to prevent violence and improve access to response and support services for violence and mental health for young people. Findings also underscore the important role friends and peer networks can play in mitigating the effects of violence as young people grow up.

Community case study: Our Wave, an online platform to facilitate survivor disclosure of sexual assault and trauma recovery

This community case study introduces Our Wave, an online platform that provides a safe, anonymous space for survivors of sexual harm to share their stories, reflect on their healing journeys, and connect with others. Designed to empower survivors, the platform allows users to post anonymous stories or visual media, ask questions, and send messages of hope, all while prioritizing privacy and security. It also aims to create a broader impact by analyzing shared narratives to detect patterns, identify best practices for healing, and inform global approaches to SV recovery. With over 100,000 members and over 1,200 stories and forms of media shared, the platform has become a valuable resource for survivors. Using mixed-methods analysis of platform usage data and anonymous user feedback surveys (n = 288), we examined patterns of engagement and impact. Analysis revealed that 57% of story submissions included “Messages of Healing” and 52% included “Messages of Hope,” with survey responses indicating that anonymity and peer support were crucial factors in facilitating disclosure. Research shows that the social and emotional dynamics of SV disclosure, as well as the responses from others, play a crucial role in a survivor’s healing. By focusing on confidentiality, trauma-informed support, and community-building, Our Wave offers a safe space for survivors to heal, connect, and access resources to support their journey toward recovery.

How Peer Support Helps Heal the Culture of Medicine from Within

How Peer Support Helps Heal the Culture of Medicine from Within

Navigating recovery in childhood OCD: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators

ObjectiveThe objective is to examine barriers and facilitators to recovery in children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using a qualitative approach.MethodsTen semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings were validated through investigator triangulation, peer validation and member check.ResultsBarriers to recovery were internal—lack of awareness; poor motivation to seek treatment; and perceived stigma, or external—poor parental support; parental anxiety; inadequate awareness in schools; social misconceptions about illness; myths about medication; and frustrations in treatment processes. Facilitators were internal—will and determination; self-discipline; keeping calm; sense of purpose, and external—general awareness; parental support; peer support; and good therapeutic engagement.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore barriers and facilitators to recovery in-depth in pediatric OCD. Findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions, robust support networks, and cultural sensitivity for successful recovery outcomes.

The Michigan men’s diabetes project: perspectives on a peer-led diabetes self-management and support intervention for Black men with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundBlack men are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to non-Hispanic White men, especially those over 55 years of age. Although there is ample evidence around the efficacy of peer-led diabetes self-management and support (PLDSMS) programs in improving diabetes health outcomes, Black men living with T2D experience several barriers to meaningful participation in peer-led programs and program developers face barriers to implementation. This qualitative study aimed to identify perspectives from collaborators on barriers and facilitators that impact the implementation of a PLDSMS intervention for older Black men with T2D.MethodsQualitative data were collected as part of the Michigan Men’s Diabetes Project. We used the Tailored Implementation in Chronic Diseases (TICD) Checklist to construct the semi-structured interview guide. TICD domains served as themes. Codes were later generated as a team (N = 3) from chunks of related text. Eight 1-on-1 semi-structured interviews (two researchers, three peer leaders, one community collaborator, two certified diabetes care and education specialists) were conducted between April 13–22, 2022 via Zoom. We engaged in thematic content analysis and used the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique and Rapid analysis.ResultsThemes included guideline factors; individual collaborator factors; patient factors; professional interactions; incentives and resources; capacity for organizational change; and use of technology. Guidelines for implementing a PLDSMS program for Black men with T2D are lacking. For effective implementation, collaborators need interpersonal and session facilitation skills, flexibility, and cultural awareness. Although Black men with T2D may initially be apprehensive about participating in a PLDSMS program due to lack of knowledge, masculine norms, and stigma, these programs offer a safe space, a sense of brotherhood, and transparency. Having a physician champion is key in supporting organizational changes needed to implement PLDSMS programs in health systems, particularly as PLDSMS is not currently a billable service.ConclusionsThe PLDSMS program is culturally relevant in engaging older Black men with T2D. In addition to building trust among participants, successful development and implementation of a peer support program requires flexibility and tailored communication strategies. Findings can be used to inform future iterations of PLDSMS programs.

Exploring the value of peer support for people living with type 1 diabetes

Exploring the value of peer support for people living with type 1 diabetes

From Moral Injury Vulnerability to Protective Equity: The Voyage Every Surgeon Must Take.

To examine the relationship between moral injury and surgical practice, further explore the concept of protective equity, and understand its role in mitigating the impact of morally injurious events throughout a surgical career. Moral injury in healthcare settings has evolved from Jonathan Shay's original definition, modified by Brett Litz and others, to encompass the psychological impact of adverse patient outcomes on medical practitioners. Early career surgeons may be particularly susceptible to moral injury, yet the factors influencing this vulnerability remain poorly understood. An analysis of existing literature on moral injury in healthcare, combined with an examination of surgical career trajectories and outcome reporting was conducted. The concepts of protective equity and vulnerability are introduced, defined, and theoretically extrapolated across a surgical career. Evidence suggests that surgical complications significantly contribute to moral injury, particularly among early career surgeons. We propose a model wherein protective equity accumulates over a surgical career, whereas vulnerability follows an M-shaped curve with peaks in early and late career. Early career surgeons face a precarious imbalance of low protective equity and high vulnerability, especially immediately post-training. Strategies to address this dynamic include providing: specific education when onboarding faculty, and longitudinal peer support by senior, trained surgeons.

Analyzing How the Concept of Nemo Resideo in the Military Translates to Student Veteran Peer Support in Higher Education

Analyzing How the Concept of Nemo Resideo in the Military Translates to Student Veteran Peer Support in Higher Education

The trials and triumphs of co-producing an evaluation plan: A principles-focused evaluation

BackgroundRecovery Colleges are mental health-oriented education programs that are rooted in principles of peer support and co-production. Co-production, in this context, involves people with lived experience of mental health and addiction challenges and people with other forms of expertise (e.g., mental health professionals, administrators, and researchers) collaborating on the design and actualization of programs and initiatives. Despite co-production being a central feature of Recovery Colleges, very few Recovery College evaluations appear to be co-produced. In addition, there is a lack of research that evaluates the quality of the co-production processes in developing evaluations. The Recovery College at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, called the Collaborative Learning College, established an Evaluation Subcommittee with the goal of co-designing and implementing an evaluation plan for the program. In response to the dearth of literature on co-producing Recovery College evaluations and the quality of such collaborative processes, the Evaluation Subcommittee conducted a principles-focused evaluation to assess the quality of their process of co-producing an evaluation plan.MethodsAll members of the Evaluation Subcommittee collaboratively developed and agreed on three principles that they felt were most important in their co-production process. Using a self-narrative approach, each member then produced a reflection on the importance of the principles, the degree to which the committee adhered to them, and the impact. Finally, members engaged in collaborative thematic analysis and co-wrote this manuscript.ResultsThe results of this study outline member’s purposes for joining the Evaluation Subcommittee, the strengths and challenges related to embodying the collaborative principles, and the associated impacts.ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate the value of co-producing health education evaluations with people with lived experience and highlight important lessons learned through the Evaluation Subcommittee’s collaborative process, specifically related to mitigating the impacts of power imbalances. These lessons can be valuable for others to consider in their co-production processes.

Return-to-School Experiences of Adolescents After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant: A Qualitative Interview Study of Transplant Recipients.

Returning to school after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) can improve quality of life and promote positive adjustment. However, this process may be challenging, and there is a limited understanding of school-aged children and adolescents' perspectives on this process. We conducted semi-structured interviews over video with pediatric recipients of HCT (10-18years of age at HCT; 1-7years post HCT) who were treated at our institution and had returned to in-person school post HCT. We performed a thematic network analysis focused on exploring salient challenges regarding the return-to-school process post HCT and potential areas for improvement. We interviewed 16 participants (mean age 13.8years at HCT). Four themes emerged: (i) challenges of returning to school, (ii) keys for a successful return-to-school experience, (iii) overall perceptions of the process, and (iv) recommendations for improvement. HCT recipients described several social/emotional, physical, and academic challenges while returning to school and cited strong sources of support as critical to a successful transition. Recommendations for a better transition process included the following: (a) fostering peer support, (b) establishing social connections, (c) providing mental health support, (d) identifying a go-to point of contact for issues, and (e) maintaining academic support. Our findings highlight perspectives from school-aged recipients of HCT regarding gaps in support and areas for improvement to facilitate successful return to school after HCT. Additional assistance throughout the process may optimize academic and social reintegration and support recovery after HCT.

Non-pharmacological interventions for ICU nurses’ burnout syndrome: A meta-analysis

Burnout syndrome is a critical issue among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses due to high workloads, emotional distress, and constant exposure to life-threatening situations. Characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, burnout negatively impacts both the well-being of nurses and the quality of patient care. While pharmacological interventions may offer some relief, non-pharmacological strategies are increasingly recognized as essential for preventing and managing burnout without the risk of medication-related side effects. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various non-pharmacological interventions, such as art therapy, guided meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and peer support programs, in reducing the symptoms of burnout syndrome among ICU nurses.A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies evaluating non-pharmacological interventions for burnout in ICU nurses. Studies published between 2010 and 2024 were included. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in burnout symptoms as assessed by validated scales such as the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, and statistical analyses were conducted using a random-effects model to calculate pooled effect sizes. A total of 18 studies involving 2,346 ICU nurses were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled effect size indicated that non-pharmacological interventions significantly reduced emotional exhaustion (Hedges’ g = 0.67, 95% CI [0.45, 0.89], p < 0.01) and depersonalization (Hedges’ g = 0.59, 95% CI [0.38, 0.81], p < 0.01) while improving personal accomplishment (Hedges’ g = 0.53, 95% CI [0.30, 0.76], p < 0.01). Among the interventions, mindfulness-based stress reduction and CBT showed the highest efficacy, followed by art therapy and guided meditation. Peer support programs also demonstrated moderate effectiveness but were less studied.The findings suggest that non-pharmacological interventions, particularly mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapies, are effective in reducing burnout symptoms among ICU nurses. These interventions offer a sustainable, low-risk alternative to pharmacological approaches, contributing to better mental health outcomes and improved nurse retention in high-stress environments. Future research should focus on larger, multi-center trials and explore the long-term impacts of these interventions.

Motivation in Rare Disease Self-Care: A Phenomenological Study of Pediatric Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Their Caregivers.

Spinal muscular atrophy can cause progressive physical disability and difficulties with self-care. Self-care motivation can enhance patient persistence in self-care behavior and maintain health. This study was designed to explore and describe motivations for self-care among school-aged children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy and the perspectives of their primary caregivers. Husserl's phenomenological research method was adopted, and data were collected using in-depth, face-to-face, open-ended interviews with patients and their primary caregivers aged 8-18 years with spinal muscular atrophy. A total of eight patient-caregiver dyads were recruited via purposeful sampling from a hospital clinic and through the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Taiwan. The interviews were conducted in the participants' homes and transcribed verbatim. Data were then thematically analyzed using the Giorgi analysis method. Six themes were identified from the patients' perspective: (a) adapting to dietary restrictions, (b) proactive measures for physical safety, c3) pursuing social connection and peer support, (d) navigating emotional well-being, (e) seeking independence, and (f) achieving success motivation. From the caregivers' perspective, the motivations for patient self-care were identified as follows: (a) ensuring safe and enjoyable eating for patients, (b) facilitating patient autonomy in health risk management, (c) facilitating patient engagement with peers, (d) balancing support with encouraging independence, (e) assessing and balancing independence and safety in patient caregiving, and (f) admiring patients' resilience and self-care innovation. This study highlights the vital roles of caregivers in adapting to the dynamic self-care motivations of children and adolescents and of healthcare professionals in facilitating communication and care strategies. Personalized approaches are essential for enhancing autonomy and well-being in pediatric patients.

Exploring Transportation Challenges and Opportunities for Mobility-Vulnerable Populations Through the Social-Ecological Model.

Community mobility is a vital activity of daily living. Mobility-vulnerable populations-individuals with incomes below the federal poverty threshold, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and older adults-face transit disparities. Advanced technologies (e.g., ride-sharing) may mitigate transportation inequities, but limited evidence considers mobility-vulnerable populations. Utilizing the social-ecological model, the team examined challenges and opportunities associated with transportation availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and adaptability among two socioeconomic communities. Four focus groups were conducted using community-based participatory research principles. Community advisory boards informed focus group development and implementation. A thematic analysis was performed using the social-ecological model. Participants (N = 23) experienced transportation challenges and opportunities at all levels of the social-ecological model-individual (e.g., bus availability), relationship (e.g., peer support), community (e.g., safety), and societal (e.g., social isolation). Findings indicate the importance of looking beyond individual factors and exploring relationships, community, and societal impacts on transportation use.

Parental attitudes and experiences in pursuing genetic testing for their child's motor speech disorder.

Rare and typically severe motor speech disorders such as childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and dysarthria affect about 1 in 1000 children. The genetic basis of these speech disorders is well-documented, with approximately 30% of children who undergo genomic testing receiving an explanatory genetic diagnosis. As more children with speech disorders are offered genetic testing, understanding parental views and experiences around genetic testing for their child is critical in providing effective pre- and post-test genetic counselling. This research explored parental attitudes, experiences, and perceived implications of pursuing genetic testing for their child with motor speech disorder. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 parents of children with CAS or dysarthria who had undergone exome sequencing. Eight parents had received a genetic diagnosis for their child and 12 received uninformative genetic test results. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, co-coded, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Parents were highly motivated to pursue genetic testing for their child's speech disorder due to the perceived personal, clinical, social, and financial utility in obtaining a genetic diagnosis. Regardless of testing outcome, parents experienced complex emotional responses in receiving their child's genetic test results. Parents whose child received a genetic diagnosis reported improved access to funding and clinical care; however, they also hoped for ongoing informational, clinical, and peer support in navigating the uncertainty surrounding their child's rare diagnosis. Conversely, parents who received uninformative genetic test results reported finding meaning in this test outcome, and used emotional-focused and problem-focused strategies to cope with their child's continued diagnostic odyssey.

Informing peer support programs for active duty military spouses of U.S. Army soldiers

LAY SUMMARY With 50% of active duty service members being married, spouses are critical in supporting military readiness. Yet, because of the nature of military service, spouses experience numerous challenges, including education and career progression, parenting and child care, managing family separation during deployment and training, and accessibility of health care. Peer support programs can develop a sense of community, provide support for shared challenges, and offer access to resources. Building on a peer support program with Veteran spouses, this study identified the challenges and needs of active duty spouses to inform adaptation of the program. Five focus groups were conducted on Zoom with 35 active duty military spouses to understand their main concerns and preferences for a peer support program. Major themes identified were challenges of military life, benefits of military life, and recommendations for peer support programming. This study’s findings will be used to adapt and develop a peer support program to be tested with military spouses of U.S. Army soldiers in a study funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Influence of Parental Involvement, Peer Support, Empathy, and Moral Identity on Prosocial Behavior among Malaysian Youth

The Influence of Parental Involvement, Peer Support, Empathy, and Moral Identity on Prosocial Behavior among Malaysian Youth

Community crisis prevention programs aid users, peer providers

Online communities promote social connection and can be used for formal peer support and crisis intervention, however few programs to support members' mental health have been formally evaluated, said authors of a new study published in Psychiatric Services. Researchers presented findings from a mixed‐methods evaluation of the digital peer support intervention delivered in an online gaming community.