title: Peer support relationships: an unexplored interpersonal process in mental health.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Geriatric Psychiatry, Regional Mental Health Care, London, ON, Canada. robin.coatsworth-puspoky@sjhc.london.on.ca
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Coatsworth-Puspoky
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Forchuk
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ward-Griffin
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D004645:Empathy; D005007:Ethnology; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009864:Ontario; D010379:Peer Group; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D035502:Trust