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“Understanding the journey from A to Z”: centering peer support perspectives to unveil the mechanisms and power of peer support

“Understanding the journey from A to Z”: centering peer support perspectives to unveil the... This study aims to gain insights from peer support workers (PSWs) on the unseen mechanisms of peer support work that may be applied to implementing a child and youth mental health peer support program in a children’s hospital emergency department (ED).Design/methodology/approachThis study used a critical realist perspective with a qualitative research design. Eight participants, all PSWs in health, community and social services working with adults, adolescents and children, were recruited from Alberta, Canada. Data were collected through in-person semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis.FindingsThe results generated interrelated patterns of meaning among PSWs that were grouped into three main themes: inside out and outside in, no one leaves empty-handed and sculpting health system softness.Research limitations/implicationsAll participants were trained by the same organization and may have similar understandings and approaches to the peer support role. Participants were predominantly of a similar demographic; thus, participants with minoritized identities may have challenges not represented.Practical implicationsUsing nontraditional staffing models in an acute center may facilitate a shift to meet the chronic and complex issues of the 21st century.Social implicationsYouth peer support roles may reduce stigma by challenging stereotypes and myths, reduce social isolation and improve meaning, connection and belonging for individuals with mental illness who are often dislocated and disconnected from society.Originality/valueThis study exemplified the positive impacts peer support could make by improving child, youth and family experiences; reducing stigma; providing hope and help; and embedding the recovery model directly into the ED. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Mental Health and Social Inclusion Emerald Publishing

“Understanding the journey from A to Z”: centering peer support perspectives to unveil the mechanisms and power of peer support

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References (35)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
2042-8308
eISSN
2042-8316
DOI
10.1108/mhsi-02-2023-0016
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

This study aims to gain insights from peer support workers (PSWs) on the unseen mechanisms of peer support work that may be applied to implementing a child and youth mental health peer support program in a children’s hospital emergency department (ED).Design/methodology/approachThis study used a critical realist perspective with a qualitative research design. Eight participants, all PSWs in health, community and social services working with adults, adolescents and children, were recruited from Alberta, Canada. Data were collected through in-person semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis.FindingsThe results generated interrelated patterns of meaning among PSWs that were grouped into three main themes: inside out and outside in, no one leaves empty-handed and sculpting health system softness.Research limitations/implicationsAll participants were trained by the same organization and may have similar understandings and approaches to the peer support role. Participants were predominantly of a similar demographic; thus, participants with minoritized identities may have challenges not represented.Practical implicationsUsing nontraditional staffing models in an acute center may facilitate a shift to meet the chronic and complex issues of the 21st century.Social implicationsYouth peer support roles may reduce stigma by challenging stereotypes and myths, reduce social isolation and improve meaning, connection and belonging for individuals with mental illness who are often dislocated and disconnected from society.Originality/valueThis study exemplified the positive impacts peer support could make by improving child, youth and family experiences; reducing stigma; providing hope and help; and embedding the recovery model directly into the ED.

Journal

Mental Health and Social Inclusion – Emerald Publishing

Published: Dec 2, 2024

Keywords: Child and youth mental health; Family and Caregivers; Emergency department; Peer support; Hospitals; Qualitative studies

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