A review of the literature on peer support in mental health services

Abstract

PSWs have the potential to drive through recovery-focused changes in services. However, many challenges are involved in the development of peer support. Careful training, supervision and management of all involved are required.

Patients’ views: peer support worker on inpatient wards

“…Although not widely reported the theme of person-centeredness is implicit in the reviews of Carter (2011), Walker andBryant (2013), Lawton-Smith (2013) and Roberts and Boardman (2014) and being non-judgmental, a sub-theme (Figure 1) is advocated by Repper and Carter (2011). The other sub-themes of being informal, engaging, understanding, a non-pathological approach make up person-centeredness and together with accepting as cited in Repper and Carter (2011) makes this a term which can be used to remove any conflict when mentioning the recovery versus the medical model.…”

“…The other sub-themes of being informal, engaging, understanding, a non-pathological approach make up person-centeredness and together with accepting as cited in Repper and Carter (2011) makes this a term which can be used to remove any conflict when mentioning the recovery versus the medical model.…”

“…Repper and Carter (2011) were the first to review these and cite empowerment, social support and social functioning, empathy and acceptance, reducing stigma and hope as all contributing to the success of PS workers than professionally qualified staff in promoting hope and belief in the possibility of recovery, empowerment, and increased self-esteem, self-efficacy and self-management of difficulties and social inclusion, engagement and increased social networks. Repper and Watson (2012) demonstrated the benefit of PS via an inpatient text when being given a combination of recovery, practical and emotional support "You have been such a good friend to me, I don't know what I would have done without you".…”

Tweeting About Mental Health: Big Data Text Analysis of Twitter for Public Policy

“…The top level finding is that peer-support is effective for reducing the feeling of self-stigma, increasing self-esteem, and agency 184,185,186 . However, improvement in clinical 179 For an overview focused on stigma impacts (and some mental health outcome impacts) see Hyman (2008) 180 (Frattaroli, 2006) 181 (Ellis and Cromby, 2011) 182 (Pavalanathan and De Choudhury, 2015) 183 (Joinson and Paine, 2007) 184 (Proudfoot et al, 2012) 185 (Cook et al, 2011) 186 (Repper and Carter, 2011) outcomes, such as hospitalization, has not been robustly demonstrated 187 . Additionally, there is evidence that the benefit of community support declines with increased severity of symptoms 188 .…”

Peer Support in a Mental Health Service Context

“…In their review Repper and Carter (2011) identified a number of challenges in peer support work. These challenges include multiple Boundary issues such as being perceived as more of a friend to service users as a result of sharing personal information and experiences.…”