Serviceusers perceive peer support, psychological therapies complement
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How Service-Users Perceive Peer Support and other interventions offered by the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in outpatient eating disorder (ED) services
IRAS ID
352719
Contact name
Emily Bell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 27 days
Research summary
This project aims to better understand how Service-Users Perceive Peer Support and other interventions offered by the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in outpatient eating disorder (ED) services. Current treatments, such as psychological therapies like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and intensive community treatment pathways are widely used, but recovery rates are still inconsistent, and some people struggle to stay engaged in therapy. Peer support—where individuals who have gone through similar experiences offer guidance and encouragement—has been shown to help in mental health recovery, but its specific role in ED treatment has not been well researched.
By using Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, which explains that people learn by observing and imitating others, this qualitative research study will explore how peer support influences engagement with psychological therapies and overall recovery. The aim is to hear directly from people, in interviews, who have received peer support during their outpatient ED treatment to understand what worked well and what challenges they faced.
The findings could lead to a deeper understanding of how peer support complements professional therapy, helping to improve recovery outcomes and reduce drop-out rates. Additionally, the study could identify areas where therapists and peer supporters can work more effectively together to provide a more holistic, supportive environment for those undergoing treatment for ED.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0321
Date of REC Opinion
28 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion