Receiving Peer Support Research Articles

A realist change model for community-based perinatal mental health peer support from peer volunteers

ABSTRACT Aims To investigate what it is about community-based perinatal mental health peer support from trained volunteers that works, for whom, in what circumstances, in what respects, and why; and build a change model that includes positive and negative mechanisms and outcomes. Methods Realist evaluation methods based on semi-structured interviews were used to create a change model for a third sector programme in England. Results Mothers who received peer support (n = 20), peer support volunteers (n = 27), and programme staff (n = 9) were interviewed. Positive impact on mothers was primarily based on feeling understood and accepted, social comparison (including normalisation, hope, and gaining perspective) and sharing non-directive information from experiential knowledge. Negative impact on mothers was based on negative social comparison, or absence of key peer support mechanisms. Mothers were affected in different ways, depending on individual contexts: their backgrounds, personalities, social situations, resources, experiences, beliefs, and needs. Some different mechanisms were present in one-to-one and group situations. All participants considered the benefits of peer support to greatly outweigh the risks. Conclusion Individual contextual factors affect the multiple mechanisms through which mental health peer support can improve mothers’ emotional wellbeing and social participation. Peer support has potential risks as well as benefits, which can be mitigated. Programmes could use this understanding of how contexts and mechanisms interact to produce peer support outcomes to improve training for peer support volunteers and to design future evaluations that take into account diversity of peer support experience.

Understanding community-based mental health interventions among migrant workers in Singapore

BackgroundMigrants in Singapore face unique mental health risk factors and barriers to formal care. Within this context, the Migrant Writers of Singapore (an arts collective) has organised a community-based intervention to address mental health needs, the Mental Health Awareness and Well-Being Festival.AimTo understand migrants’ motivations for organising and participating in the Festival as a form of community-based mental health support, as well as their perspectives on the role and effectiveness of such interventions.MethodsThematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted in October and November 2023, with 10 members of MWS involved in the Festival.ResultsInterviewees were primarily motivated by personal experiences of giving or receiving peer support, or finding relief through MWS’s arts-based activities; and to a smaller extent by the need for greater mental health awareness among migrants. Interviewees saw the value of community-based interventions in: (i) easing loneliness, (ii) establishing solidarity, (iii) facilitating communication in help-seeking, and (iv) building longer-term social networks.ConclusionsFindings suggest that community-based interventions may be an enabler of peer support, and help address underlying mental health risk factors. Arts-based activities can enhance these interventions, though further research is required to evaluate concrete outcomes, and ascertain the wider applicability of these findings.

The spinal cord injury (SCI) peer support evaluation tool: the development of a tool to assess outcomes of peer support programs within SCI community-based organizations.

Guided by the 4-step process outlined in the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guideline, multiple methodologies were used: Delphi, literature reviews, ratings with consensus, think-aloud, and test-retest. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a spinal cord injury (SCI) peer support evaluation tool that meets the needs of community-based SCI organizations in Canada. Peer support programs for people with SCI delivered by community-based SCI organizations. This research was co-constructed with executives and staff from SCI community-based organizations, people with SCI, researchers, and students. Given the multiple steps of this study, sample size and characteristics varied based on each step. Participants included people with SCI who received peer support (mentees) or provided peer support (mentors/supporters) and staff of community-based organizations. In step 1, the 20 most important outcomes for SCI peer support were identified. In step 2 and 3, the 97 items were identified to assess the outcomes and by using rating and multiple consensus methodologies 20 items, one to assess each outcome, were selected. In step 4, content and face validity and test-retest reliability were achieved. The resulting SCI Peer Support Evaluation Tool consists of 20single-item questions to assess 20 outcomes of SCI peer support. Through a systematic process, the SCI Peer Support Evaluation Tool is now ready to be implemented to assess outcomes of SCI peer support programs delivered by community-based SCI organizations.

Factors reported by the participants in group therapy for intimate partner perpetrators as helping

Little is known about the factors that facilitate change in interventions designed for intimate partner perpetrators. This qualitative study examined factors perpetrators in a voluntary-based batterer programme had experienced as having helped them reduce their intimate partner violence. The data were drawn from video-recorded group meetings. The data comprised recordings of 30 videotaped weekly group sessions held over a two-year period. The data were analysed by data-driven content analysis. We also examined which of the participants – facilitators or perpetrators – initiated discussion on factors helpful in reducing intimate partner violence Multiple factors that perpetrators had found useful in reducing their violent behaviours were found: New skills, Changes in attitudes and ways of thinking, Receiving peer support in the group, and Increased personal well-being and functioning. These factors might be connected as part of a process of critical self-reflection which was enabled through reduced feelings of shame and increased empathy. These discussions began at the initiative of the facilitator or group members, by sharing the experiences of another group member, or by open-ended questions from group members to others.

Peer support for eating disorders in Canada: program user perspectives

Evidence for the value of peer support for eating disorders (EDs) is growing. Peer support is not a replacement for treatment, but can provide hope for recovery, enhance motivation for treatment, and increase feelings of connectedness and belonging for those experiencing EDs. In this study, we explored peer mentees’ experiences of peer support for EDs to better understand the impact of peer support and its role in the Canadian treatment and support continuum. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 people who had received peer support (group, one-on-one, or chat) and conducted a reflexive thematic analysis through a critical realist lens. We developed four themes. Participants described the importance of connecting with others who had “been there,” which helped generate a sense of belonging and connectedness. They also highlighted aspects of the peer support “container” that needed to be in place, such as guidelines for groups and agreements for one-on-one mentoring. When peer support was delivered well, participants described how it helped them help themselves through increasing motivation, communication skills, and other coping skills. Finally, participants described the unique role of peer support within the treatment continuum, as a modality that was accessible, free, and delivered in a way that focused on the whole person. Together, our findings illustrate the value of peer support and considerations for enabling effective and safe peer support delivery.

Roadmap to the 'Chronic Pain GPS for Adolescents' Intervention: Content and Design Considerations for a Group Peer Support Intervention.

A biopsychosocial approach to understanding and treating pain is crucial; however, there are limited socially targeted interventions for adolescents with chronic pain (ACP). Peer support interventions implemented with other populations are associated with positive outcomes. ACPs perceive peer support to have high potential value. This study explored the preferences of ACP regarding the content and design of a group peer support intervention. Fourteen ACP (M age : 15.21y; 9 females; 3 males, 1 nonbinary, and 1 gender questioning) completed a virtual interview and survey. Interviews were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis, and surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Adolescents described how they want to both talk and do activities together within a fun and casual environment with a facilitator present-ideally, someone with lived experience of chronic pain. Preferences were for a medium-sized group intervention that was in-person, at a consistent time on a weekday after school, and semi-structured. Barriers to attending and engaging in the potential group peer intervention were also discussed. ACPs desire a facilitated socially focused intervention that provides them with the opportunity to spend time with other ACPs. A group peer support environment where ACPs can provide and receive peer support through sharing their experiences with others who understand them as well as engage in activities was described. The findings from this study provide insights for the development of a group peer support intervention.

OA10 Peer support for people living with axial spondyloarthritis as part of a supported self-management programme

Abstract Background/Aims The National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) Supported Self-management Programme aims to empower people with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) to live well with their condition. We ran peer support meet-ups as part of our new Your SpAce programme to improve attendees’ knowledge of their condition, and reduce feelings of isolation. Methods In March 2023, NASS launched Your SpAce, a series of short information and lived experience videos, with downloadable practical resources. It is aimed at people newly diagnosed or those diagnosed longer who had not previously engaged with their condition. The programme was created in consultation with people living with axial SpA and healthcare professionals (HCPs). A steering group comprised 33% people with lived experience. Monthly free online peer support ‘meet-ups’ were planned. Initial topics aligned with Your SpAce topics of pain, flares, and fatigue. Feedback and helpline enquiry trends guided further topics. Attendees booked via an Eventbrite listing, disseminated via the NASS website, social media and e-newsletter, partner organisations, and HCPs. The meet-ups are facilitated by a HCP who lives with axial SpA. Sessions start with a short introduction to axial SpA and the meet-up topic. The focus is on facilitated group discussions, where attendees use their camera and microphone and chat box to meet other people with axial SpA, ask questions, share advice, and receive peer support. Results Your SpAce webpages ask visitors how confident they feel in managing their pain, flares, and fatigue out of 100 (0=not at all, 100=extremely). The results (701 respondents) indicate the programme is reaching people with low confidence, with 60% of pain poll respondents, 69% of fatigue poll respondents, and 72% of flare poll respondents ranking their confidence 0-40/100. Since April 2023, we ran 10 meet-ups, with 516 bookings and 256 attendees. Everyone who booked received presentation slides and resources. In-meeting anonymous polls showed: 25% of attendees had been diagnosed for less than one year; 31% 1-5 years; 11% 6-10 years; and 33% more than 10 years. 24% have a diagnosis of axial SpA, 22% non-radiographic axial SpA, 51% radiographic axial SpA/ankylosing spondylitis, and 3% awaiting diagnosis. Anonymous feedback survey results (n = 67) showed: 97% enjoyed attending the meet-up; 96% found it easy to attend; 82% said the meet-up helped them understand more about their condition; 74% have more practical skills to manage; 54% had never previously met anyone else with axial SpA; 97% felt less alone afterwards; and 99% would like to attend another meet-up. Conclusion The first six months of Your SpAce meetups have improved attendees’ knowledge of axial SpA, increased practical skills in managing symptoms, and reduced feelings of isolation. Results suggest that informal online peer support is a positive strand of supported self-management for people at all stages of their axial SpA. Disclosure Z. Clark: Honoraria; ZC is a member of Council for the Institute of Osteopathy. Grants/research support; NASS receives grant funding from AbbVie, Biogen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and UCB.

Peer Support in Psychosis Care: A Valuable Resource for Recovery

IntroductionA variety of peer support workers have been integrated in the mental health workforce in several countries. The effectiveness of this approach is still inconclusive. However, some data reveals promising results. Some projects have integrated peer support intervention in the treatment of psychosis. In fact, UK clinical guidelines for psychosis advise the inclusion of peer support within Early Intervention in Psychosis services.ObjectivesThe current study aims to evaluate how peer support may assist the intervention in psychosis and highlight challenges ahead in this field.MethodsNarrative review of the available scientific literature.Results Research suggests that consistent and frequent peer support enhances social support and boosts self-confidence and the overall quality of life for people going through psychosis. Individuals diagnosed with severe mental illnesses who receive peer support reportedly experience an increased sense of control, hopefulness, and empowerment, enabling them to initiate positive changes in their lives. People going through psychosis experience internalized stigma. Destigmatization of psychotic experiences is a central theme of intervention in psychosis. Participants viewed peer support as a valuable form of assistance that could offer advantages to both peers (service users) and peer support workers.ConclusionsPeer support makes a strong contribution to destigmatising psychosis. The available date is promising and supports the effectiveness of peer support in such instances. As projects of peer support in psychosis continue to be implemented, further research should provide additional insight into the effectiveness and inherent challenges of this type of intervention.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Meaningful inclusion of people living with HIV as a model for workplace policies: Key findings from the project PEER study.

As a large number of people live with HIV, it is worthwhile to examine the integration of this group in the workplace. To investigate how the operationalization of GIPA/MEPA supports workplace policies and practices for PLHIV. The study aims to explore what is being offered to support PLHIV in community-based agencies and what can be done to enhance the offerings. For this community-based research, 2 bilingual online surveys were sent to 150 Canadian organizations that work closely with PLHIV or offer support to them. One of the surveys was for Executive Directors of these organizations while the other was sent to peers; i.e. PLHIV whose job is to offer services to PLHIV. Questions in the surveys varied between open-ended, binary, and Likert. GIPA/MEPA are implemented in most organizations and Executive Directors affirmed that PLHIV and their impacts on the workplace are valued. There is a consensus among Executive Directors that formal support is provided but most respondents argued that this support is not specific for PLHIV. More than half of respondents were either unaware or uncertain about the existence of informal support. Peer-employees claimed that one of the challenges of disclosing HIV to receive peer support is that they may face stigma. The application of GIPA/MEPA results in positive outcomes in the workplace. The study emphasizes the need to facilitate access to informal support.

Would shared decision-making be useful in breast cancer screening programmes? A qualitative study using focus group discussions to gather evidence from French women with different socioeconomic backgrounds

BackgroundTo inform the development of an online tool to be potentially used in shared decision-making about breast cancer screening, French women were questioned about participation in breast cancer screening, the health professional’s role, and their perceptions of the proposed tool.MethodsWe organised focus group discussions with 55 French women. Two different strategies were used to recruit women from high and low socioeconomic backgrounds. We applied both inductive and deductive approaches to conduct a thematic analysis of the discussions. We analysed the responses by using the main determinants from different health behaviour models and compared the two groups.ResultsIndependently of socioeconomic status, the most important determinant for a woman’s participation in breast cancer screening was the perceived severity of breast cancer and the perceived benefits of its early detection by screening. Cues to action reported by both groups were invitation letters; recommendations by health professionals, or group/community activities and public events were reported by women from high and low socioeconomic backgrounds, respectively. Among other positive determinants, women from high socioeconomic backgrounds reported making informed decisions and receiving peer support whereas women from low socioeconomic backgrounds reported community empowerment through group/community events. Fear of cancer was reported as a barrier in both groups. Among other barriers, language issues were reported only by women from low socioeconomic backgrounds; women from high socioeconomic backgrounds reported breast cancer screening-related risks other than overdiagnosis and/or overtreatment. Barriers to accessing the online tool to be developed were mainly reported by women from high socioeconomic backgrounds.ConclusionLimitations in implementing shared decision-making for women from low socioeconomic backgrounds were highlighted. An online tool that is suitable for all women, regardless of socioeconomic status, would provide “on-demand” reliable and tailored information about breast cancer screening and improve access to health professionals and social exchanges.

Perspectives and thoughts of pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV receiving peer support: A mixed studies systematic review.

The aim of this study was to systematically consolidate evidence on perspectives and thoughts of women living with HIV regarding the peer support they have encountered during pregnancy and after childbirth. Mixed studies systematic review. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and ProQuest were sourced from 1981 to January 2022. A convergent qualitative synthesis approach was used to analyse the data. Quality appraisal was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A total of 12 studies were included, involving 1596 pregnant women and 1856 new mothers living with HIV. An overarching theme, 'From One Mother to Another: The Supportive Journey of Pregnant Women and New Mothers Living with HIV', and two themes were identified: (1) Emotional support buddies and extended networks and (2) Link bridge to healthcare support and self-empowerment. Peer support played an indispensable role in the lives of women living with HIV and served as a complementary support system to professional and family support. What problem did the study address? Pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV face preconceived stigma and discrimination. What were the main findings? Peer support was perceived to be beneficial in enhancing emotional support among women living with HIV and was well-accepted by them. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Healthcare providers and community social workers could develop or enhance peer support educational programmes tailored to pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV. Policymakers and administrators can leverage public awareness, advocacy and political will to formulate and implement policies and campaigns aimed at fostering awareness and receptivity towards peer support interventions. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). No patient or public contribution.

It might take a village: developing a rehabilitation program of care for degenerative cervical radiculopathy from the patient perspective

Purpose The aim of our study is to inform the development of a rehabilitation program of care from the perspectives of those suffering from degenerative cervical radiculopathy (DCR). Material and methods We conducted a qualitative study, purposefully recruiting individuals with DCR. Transcripts from virtual semi-structured interviews were iteratively analyzed using interpretative phenomenological methods. Results Eleven participants were recruited and depicted their ideal rehabilitation program of care. Participants described the importance of a patient centered-approach, health care providers who were validating, reassuring and attentive, easier access to health services, a supportive and collaborative team environment, and receiving peer support. Furthermore, participants expressed that they would expect the program of care to result in their symptoms being less intense and intermittent. In consideration of the participant perspectives, the ideal rehabilitation program of care can be conceptualized by the enactive-biopsychosocial model, which provides a theoretical framework for developing and implementing the program of care. Conclusion We obtained valuable information from individuals living with DCR regarding their preferences and expectations of a rehabilitation program of care. The participant descriptions will provide the groundwork for its development to meet patient needs and expectations. Future research to guide implementation will also be explored.

The Pursuit of Peer Support for Opioid Use Recovery on Reddit

Individuals suffering from Opioid Use Disorder and other socially stigmatized conditions often rely on peer support groups to find comfort and motivation while treating their condition. Many may face barriers in accessing peer support treatment, such as shame and social stigma, seclusion, or mobility restrictions. In this study, we quantitatively characterize the potential of the Reddit community in offering these individuals an online alternative to receiving peer support. By analyzing the social interactions of thousands of users during the start of opioid use recovery, we uncover that a particular Reddit community exhibits many characteristics similar to in-person peer support groups, featuring the exchange of support, trust, status, and similar experiences. We find that the supportive behavior of this community nudges users to change their personal behavior, and promotes abandoning opioid-related communities in favor of recovery-oriented relationships. Finally, we find that recognition, acknowledgment, and knowledge exchange are the most relevant factors in sustained engagement with the recovery community. Given this evidence, we suggest that this online community may constitute a complement or a surrogate to peer support groups when in-person meetings are not desirable or possible. Our work might inspire harm reduction policies and interventions to favor successful rehabilitation and is fundamental for future research about the use of digital media for recovery support.

Abstract 52: Implementation of a Hospital-Based Peer Support Intervention Model for Cancer Patients: Results From a Pilot Study in Vietnam

Abstract Purpose: Provision of mental health psychosocial support can reduce psychological distress experienced by cancer patients, which can in turn improve their treatment adherence and outcomes. In this study, we present the results from the pilot trial of Stronger Together, a culturally adapted peer-to-peer support program, conducted in Vietnam. Methods: We recruited eligible women from four hospitals in Vietnam (K3 National Cancer Hospital, Hue Central Hospital Oncology Center, Can Tho Oncology Hospital, and Hung Vong Women’s Hospital Oncology Unit). Participants were newly diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancers, and self-selected into either the control (usual care) or intervention arm (mentees who were matched up with trained peer mentors). Validated questionnaires were administered at baseline (0), 2-, 4-, and 6-months. We conducted a difference-in-difference (DID) analysis for the primary outcomes (assessed by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale [DASS-21]), comparing the difference in scores from baseline to 6 months and between intervention arms (mentees vs. usual care). Results: The analytic sample included n=186 participants (mentees: 91; usual care: 95), with the majority having breast cancer (85.5%), followed by cervical cancer (7.5%) and ovarian cancer (7.0%). There were no statistically significant differences between study arms in demographic and cancer characteristics (cancer type and stage). DID analyses showed that compared to usual care participants, mentees (those who received peer support) showed greater reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress scores between baseline and 6 months. Adjusting for age, education, marital status, and cancer stage, statistically significant reductions in stress scores (β=-1.47; 95%CI: [-2.9,-0.02]; p=0.047) were observed. Among breast cancer patients only, adjusted models showed significant reductions in depression scores (β=-1.80; 95%CI: [-3.0,-0.48]; p=0.007) and stress scores (β=-1.9; 95%CI: [-3.3,-0.37; p=0.015). Conclusion: The Stronger Together pilot study study shows that utilizing peer cancer survivors is a promising strategy to address the psychosocial needs of newly diagnosed cancer patients in low-resource settings. Future research should test this intervention model in larger samples or other similar populations and settings. Citation Format: PhuongThao Le, Carolyn Taylor, Rachel Monahan, Mai Do, Linh Nguyen, Minh Tri Phan, Cong Wang, Huong Tran, Ophira Ginsburg. Implementation of a Hospital-Based Peer Support Intervention Model for Cancer Patients: Results From a Pilot Study in Vietnam [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 52.

The effect of becoming a Fistula Advocate on the recovery of women with Obstetric Fistula in Sierra Leone: A qualitative study.

Engaging women affected by Obstetric Fistula as advocates has been proposed as an effective strategy to raise awareness of the condition. Limited literature exists on the experience of those who become advocates. A model of community education, in Sierra Leone, trained women affected by Obstetric Fistula to become volunteer Fistula Advocates. This study explored Advocates' perception of their role and its influence on their recovery and reintegration. This was a qualitative study, undertaken in Sierra Leone, collecting data from 7 Fistula Advocates and 3 Key Informants (with roles in either clinical or outreach care for women with Obstetric Fistula or training and supervision of Advocates), using semi-structured interviews. Data was subject to a thematic analysis and related to a conceptual framework for mental health recovery. Intrinsic factors motivating Advocates to undertake this role were influenced by psycho-social support received and the possibility for financial independence. Advocates used personal stories in their work to define a new identity, change perceptions and reduce stigma. Benefits associated with the interactions and relationships created through providing and receiving peer support were voiced. Surgical treatment was described as an important factor influencing recovery. The Advocates said economic empowerment helped recovery and reintegration, and the voluntary nature of the Advocate role limited the impact of this. Overall Advocates perceived their role positively, reporting psychological, social, and economic benefits. The complexities of recovery from Obstetric Fistula were highlighted and connections drawn between the treatment of physical symptoms, the socio-cultural context and mental health recovery. They described the role positively influencing existing relationships and initiating supportive, empowering social interactions between women affected by Obstetric Fistula and with Non-Governmental Organisation staff and community members. The study offers insights into the potential for community-based approaches to facilitate access to treatment for sensitive and stigmatising health problems and support recovery.

Beautifully broken: Implementing a peer support program to help healthcare providers heal

Introduction: This evidence-based project aimed to determine the feasibility of implementing a peer support program to minimize trauma in healthcare professionals (HCP)s following unanticipated adverse events. Based on the forYOU Program designed by Sue Scott at the University of Missouri Health System, this program trained peers to offer real-time caring and support to other clinicians coping with such events. Most healthcare professionals are involved in at least one adverse event in their careers. Albert Wu, MD (2000) coined the term second victim to capture the essence of the trauma experienced by healthcare professionals when an unanticipated event negatively impacts a patient. When left unchecked, this trauma can result in moral distress, stress disorders, and burnout as the clinician ruminates over the event. Providing emotional support has improved second victims' emotional well-being and recovery. Therefore, healthcare leaders are encouraged to develop comprehensive programs to provide easy access to peer and social support when they experience an adverse event.Methods: Designed for implementation in the Women's Service Department of a 350-bed southwestern hospital, this project employed a pre-/post-evaluation of subjective outcomes using an online survey for nurses. A core group of trainers attended a two-day peer support train-the-trainer event hosted by the forYOU Program at the University of Missouri Health Care System. This group trained 26 peer supporters representing the four departments in Women's Services and both shifts. Baseline data was collected (n = 44) to assess the frequency and impact of unanticipated adverse events, the perceived support, and the type of support received. Following the four-month implementation in the Summer/Fall of 2020, post-data was obtained, including a program awareness assessment (n = 17).Results: Pre- and post-implementation of the Peer Support Program, nurses in Women's Services reported adverse events impacting their emotional well-being. Post-program, more nurses reported receiving support (86% post-program versus 43% pre-program). Before employment, 79% of nurses who received support received peer support, versus 86% receiving peer support post-implementation. The implementation occurred during the COVID pandemic, which may have resulted in a decreased post-assessment sample size. However, the peer supporters reported hesitancy in completing encounter forms feeling that providing support was “too personal”. The participants said that they found the peer support program worthwhile.Conclusions: Nurses on the implementation units indicated receiving more support after the peer support program was implemented and felt the program was beneficial. Since unanticipated events are inevitable in health care, the steering committee recommended sustaining and spreading the program to all the nursing departments. More data is needed to determine the full impact of the program.

Community peer support among individuals living with spinal cord injury.

Peer support is widely assumed to help individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) adjust, yet the evidence is mixed. We propose that peer support may be more likely to promote adjustment when informal support is lacking. To test this hypothesis, 135 individuals living with SCI receiving peer support (46.7% female; Mage = 42.36, SD = 14.83) completed an online survey assessing aspects of and satisfaction with the peer support and family/friend support that they were receiving as well as measures of adjustment. Although those reporting receiving more peer support were not any better adjusted than those reporting less, individuals who were more satisfied with the peer support they received reported better adjustment. Moreover, the relation of satisfaction with peer support with depressive symptoms was dependent on the level of family/friend support. These findings suggest that peer support is most effective among those lacking support from family and friends.

Prospective effects of peer support and gender roles on the mental health and work functioning of child protection workers exposed to potentially traumatic events

BackgroundChild protection workers (CPWs) are regularly exposed to potentially traumatic events (PTEs), especially, aggressive behaviors from the service users. ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a peer support program on the mental health and work functioning of CPWs exposed to a PTE, while considering the moderating effect of gender roles. Participants and settingParticipants were recruited in two youth social services centers (YSS) in Canada and assessed one month (n = 176), two months (n = 168), six months (n = 162), and 12 months (n = 161) following exposure to a PTE. Three groups were formed: workers from the first YSS who received peer support (intervention group), workers from the first YSS who did not receive peer support (first control group), and workers from the second YSS where no peer support program was available (second control group). MethodsLinear mixed models were used to compare the three groups across time. ResultsThe intervention group did not differ from the control groups on any outcome variables at any time points. Gender roles did not moderate any effect. However, compared with the first control group, the intervention group scored lower on masculine gender roles, suggesting that lower masculinity may facilitate help seeking behaviors. ConclusionThe results point toward the need to improve the peer support intervention, to complement this intervention with other forms of support, and to promote organizational changes that would favor the workers' well-being and facilitate their recovery following a PTE.

Co-designing a neurodivergent student-led peer support programme for neurodivergent young people in mainstream high schools

Peer support in mainstream high schools may help neurodivergent young people to thrive and navigate challenging experiences. Previous research with diagnosis-specific neurodivergent cohorts indicates that peer support can help improve wellbeing, strengthen social identity and school belonging, and may alleviate pressure to conform to neurotypical social norms. In the light of a call for peer support for all neurodivergent people, rather than diagnosis-specific support, the aim of this study was to identify key elements of a neurodivergent student-led peer support programme via a co-design process. The co-design groups included neurodivergent young people and adults who work with them. Transcripts from a series of design meetings were thematically analysed and three main themes were identified: the central role of the peer support group facilitator; inclusiveness is essential; and directly addressing negative perceptions of others. The study emphasised that a co-design methodology is crucial to ensure that the end-users’ voices and perspectives are embedded in the design. Overall, the co-design teams recommended implementing neurodivergent student-led peer support for neurodivergent young people attending mainstream schools to promote inclusivity and prioritise the expertise of neurodivergent students. This type of support may benefit neurodivergent young people by encouraging them to build community and provide and receive peer support in a space that centres neurodivergent comfort and authenticity, rather than depending on applying neurotypical social norms. Lay Abstract Neurodivergence is a term used to describe people who may think, feel, and process the world differently than the majority. It includes conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia. Many neurodivergent young people struggle in school, and some autistic adults have shared that having support from other neurodivergent peers would have improved their school experience. Other research shows that peer support can improve wellbeing, self-advocacy skills, social identity and a sense of belonging for neurodivergent young people. In this study, the authors along with a group of neurodivergent young people and a group of adults who work with neurodivergent young people, created a peer support programme, to be led by neurodivergent students, specifically for neurodivergent young people who attend mainstream high schools. The aim of this study is to identify which elements of a peer support programme are important to neurodivergent young people themselves. We analysed the transcripts from the co-design meetings and found three main themes: the central role of the peer support group facilitator; inclusiveness is essential; and directly addressing negative perceptions of others. Overall, using co-design methods to create a peer support programme is crucial to ensure the voices and perspectives of those who will use it are integrated into the design. The co-design team felt that peer support led by neurodivergent students would be inclusive and may allow students to feel able to be themselves at school.

Clinical Application of a Peer Coaching Intervention to Enhance Self-Management for Adolescents and Young Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The purpose of this article is to characterize the current evidence base related to peer support interventions for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to describe a peer support program to enhance self-management for AYAs with IBD through a case study. There is strong theory and compelling evidence suggesting that AYAs with IBD could benefit from and are interested in receiving peer support to enhance self-management; however, literature on peer support interventions for AYAs with IBD is lacking. This study (a) presents a topical review describing qualitative factors AYAs with IBD would seek in a peer support program as well as existing peer support programs for this population, (b) presents an innovative one-to-one peer support program targeting self-management through a case study, and (c) discusses clinical implications and directions for future research. Peer support offers a promising approach for AYAs with IBD that is feasible and acceptable to patient populations. However, results from the present topical review identified only two studies that examined peer support interventions for AYAs with IBD. The case study demonstrates how a theoretically driven program uses peer support to promote self-management and adaptive behavioral change. The paucity of literature in this area reveals a critical opportunity for future research and clinical programming to improve existing practices by leveraging peer support. We present the application of an innovative mobile-based peer coaching intervention that has the potential to support AYAs with IBD in their self-management.