Young peoples experiences of peer training within a health setting
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of young people's experiences of being a peer trainer within a health setting
IRAS ID
233387
Contact name
Rebecca M Henly
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This project seeks to explore the experiences of young people who adopt the role of peer mentors following treatment within a health setting. Peer mentors are becoming increasingly commonplace in a variety of settings however research exploring the potential benefits is largely limited to adult mental health settings. This research has shown motivators such as testing out a new identity and social interaction and suggests the role can have both a facilitative and detrimental impact on personal recovery. Little is known about the motivators and potential benefits to becoming a peer mentor among adolescents and young adults which is a crucial time for identity development.
Attendance at a narrative therapy group (such as the Beads of Life Group at UCLH) have shown to reduce feelings of isolation and facilitate creation of a preferred identity, whilst also reducing subsequent referrals to psychology. The impact of returning to the group as a peer trainer is currently unknown. Key questions include; Does this continue to develop a more positive narrative around identity or does it encourage the young person to remain in a 'sick role', why do young people seek out this role, what is their experience of the role, and what if any changes occur to their social identities.
Exploration will increase knowledge among Clinical Health Psychologists and aid development of work contexts for young peer mentors, enabling meaningful contribution, whilst ensuring mentor well-being, recovery, and prevention of future necessity for psychological support.
The study will recruit 10-15 participants from University College London Hospital who have taken part in a narrative therapy group and opted to return as peer mentors. One semi-structured interview will be conducted per participant. The interviews will focus on; Changes in perceived identity, motivators for adopting the role, and challenges encountered.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0145
Date of REC Opinion
14 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion