Does Peer Support Really Work?

by | Dec 18, 2018 | Mailbag, Power of the Peer, Resources and Recommendations

Q: I was in a conference recently and heard the speaker claim (without any research or evidence) that peer support doesn’t work. Given what you do, I’m guessing that you believe peer support actually “works”. Can you share any antidotes, articles, research, etc. that “support” peer support?

A: Great question! I’ve also heard rumblings / cautionary tales of peer support “not working” – but – I think organizations need to be careful as to how they define / understand peer support. Peer support originally began in the fields of mental health and substance abuse. People helping people. The commonality was not one’s title, position or workplace, the bond was formed over a shared “problem” or “struggle”.

Peer support has since moved into careers where the culture is more closed to outsider-assistance and more open to helping each other (such as: law enforcement, fire departments, paramedics, 911 call operators / dispatch, etc.).

So, before we discuss if peer support “works” – we have to be clear on what peer support is and what it is intended to accomplish.

At CSS, we believe in the “power of the peer“. But, this “power” is not to fix, solve, resolve, restore, heal, etc. This “power” is found in standing with and walking beside…to be a compassionate presence to a colleague in need. This communicates one’s value and worthy of love and attention.

As a dear friend of mine once put it: “We’re all just walking each other home at the end of the day”.  

Having said that, administrators have valid concerns of peers moving beyond their training and scope of support.  When I was peer support coordinator at my agency, for example, we did not use the term “peer counselor” – as peers do not provide counseling and did not want to give the impression of such.  

FYI…we’ve developed a 6-part protocol as guide for peers to “stay in their lane”.

This is why we emphasize the value / benefits of compassion and care versus promote peer support (per se).  

 

Peer support is simply the organized, structured and approved “vehicle” for demonstrating such care.  

 

The research on compassion in the workplace (see J. Dutton, et. al), is overwhelmingly positive.  Check out:

As far as articles regarding peer support, check out these links below: