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Experiences of Peer Support for Children and Adolescents Whose Parents and Siblings Have Mental Illness
Author(s) -
Foster Kim,
Lewis Peter,
McCloughen Andrea
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.331
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6171
pISSN - 1073-6077
DOI - 10.1111/jcap.12072
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , mental illness , peer support , psychology , social support , qualitative research , exploratory research , peer group , mental health , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , social psychology , social science , sociology , anthropology
Problem There is minimal published literature on experiences of peer support programs for children/adolescents in families affected by mental illness. This study aimed to explore children's and adolescents' perspectives of the ON FIRE peer support program. Methods An exploratory qualitative study with 14 children/adolescents 9–17 years of age who participated in semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis resulted in three themes of experience. Findings Participants made connections with others in the program, developed personal strengths, and learned how to contribute to others' well‐being. Conclusion Participants derived substantial personal benefit from peer support. Use of social media and the Internet may facilitate future program delivery.