title: What makes a peer a peer?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to learn more about which characteristics are considered important for consumers to feel that a person is their peer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-one participants in a jail diversion program for veterans were asked to rate characteristics in terms of importance for acting in a peer support role. Differences by gender, combat exposure, trauma history, and mental health and substance abuse treatment were analyzed using t tests and Pearson correlations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Having served in the military had the highest average rating; trauma experience second. Participants with combat experience were significantly more likely than those without to indicate this as an important characteristic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increasingly behavioral health programs are recognizing the importance of peer involvement. This study offers guidance on who should be designated a "peer," suggesting that this should vary according to the population served and be based on the perceptions of the consumers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida.
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida.
authors.forename: Blake
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida.
authors.forename: Autumn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Frei
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida.
authors.forename: Annette
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-9335-741X
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Christy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult