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Peer support relationships: an unexplored interpersonal process in mental health
Author(s) -
COATSWORTHPUSPOKY R.,
FORCHUK C.,
WARDGRIFFIN C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.69
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1365-2850
pISSN - 1351-0126
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2006.00970.x
Subject(s) - mental health , psychology , process (computing) , interpersonal relationship , interpersonal communication , peer support , peer review , social support , social psychology , psychotherapist , psychiatry , computer science , political science , law , operating system
Consumer‐survivors (C/Ss) identify peer support as a resource that facilitates their recovery. However, little is known about the factors that influence or how the peer support relationship (PSR) develops/deteriorates. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the PSR within the subculture of mental health. Using an ethnonursing method, the study focused on informants from two C/S organizations who received peer support ( n = 14). Findings revealed that the PSRs may develop or deteriorate through three, overlapping phases. Contextual factors that influenced the development/deterioration of the PSR are discussed. Understanding the processes and factors that contribute to the development/deterioration of PSRs will enable clinicians and C/Ss to assess and promote the development of healthy, supportive PSRs in mental health.