Abstract
Peer support specialists (PSS) are persons with lived experience of mental illness who have transitioned from service consumer to provider. This transition can bring occupational challenges (competence) and role confusion (identity) that affect occupational adaptation. The aim of this study was to identify the occupational needs of PSS and explore how OT practitioners can support this transition and further develop OT’s distinct value in the mental health settings to which PSS are integral.
Primary Author and Speaker: Carol Lambdin-Pattavina
Additional Authors and Speakers: Alexandra Burdo, Christina McLaughlin, Ashley Spain, Julianna Guilmartin, Mihaela Ghita, and Lauren Goudreau
The peer support movement grew out of negative encounters with traditional mental health treatment and experiences of being ‘othered’ (Davidson et al., 2012). Peer support specialists (PSS) are individuals living with a psychiatric diagnosis who have transitioned from mental health service consumer to mental health service provider. These individuals often continue to seek services to support their journey in recovery. While there are clear benefits of employment as a PSS such as increased self-esteem, efficacy, emotional stability and belongingness (Johnson et al., 2014), research exists recognizing the challenges that PSS often face during this transition such as role ambiguity, high work stress, high emotional stress, and difficulty maintaining personal wellness (Ahmed, et al., 2015). There is a paucity of research, however, demonstrating how to address these challenges. The purpose of this pilot study was to identify the occupational needs of PSS in order for them to experience greater satisfaction and competence in their work role. Using the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) to frame the study, researchers looked at the constructs of occupational identity, competence and adaptation to explore the role that occupational therapy practitioners (OT) can assume in collaboration with PSS to support their transition to and perceived success in this work role. This study utilized a narrative mixed-methods design. Convenience sampling from a closed Facebook (FB) group for PSS living in a state in the northeast was used for recruitment. Those 18 years and older, currently working as a PSS and living within the specified state were eligible for participation. An online anonymous survey was posted in the FB group and weekly reminders were posted for 8 weeks. The survey contained both quantitative and qualitative items. An optional phone interview was available to allow participants the opportunity to provide additional information regarding their PSS experience. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, ranges, frequencies) and thematic analyses respectively. The survey was completed by 16 individuals and one individual completed the phone interview. Themes that arose related to the following: transitioning from peer to PSS, professional and personal life balance, confidence and competence, support systems, autonomy, value of their worker role, meaningfulness of their work, self-care and role preparedness, and tokenization. To date the occupational needs of individuals with lived experience of mental illness during and after their transition to PSS have been overlooked. In this study, these needs were identified in an effort to determine ways in which OT practitioners can support the occupational adaptation of PSS. PSS are valuable members of the recovery team and represent hope, empowerment and person-centered care (Weikel et al., 2017). This role, however, can be extremely demanding both mentally and emotionally. Given the profession’s holistic approach and knowledge regarding body systems, the environment and occupational analysis, OT practitioners are uniquely situated to collaborate with PSS to improve outcomes for service users as well as promote the health and wellness of all members of the the recovery team. PSS represent a paradigm shift away from the medical model and their role in the recovery process is secure. Insuring the longevity of the PSS worker role poses an opportunity for occupational therapy practitioners to collaborate with PSS around wellness, occupational balance, and issues of justice. By collaborating with and supporting PSS, not only is justice being served for those individuals, but justice for communities that are enhanced by PSS.
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Davidson, L., Bellamy, C., Guy, K., & Miller, R. (2012). Peer support among persons with severe mental illnesses: A review of evidence and experience. World Psychiatry: Official Journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 11(2), 123–128.
Johnson, G., Magee, C., Maru, M., Furlong-Norman, K., Rogers, E. S., & Thompson, K. (2014). Personal and societal benefits of providing peer support: A survey of peer support specialists. Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.), 65(5), 678–680. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201300113
Weikel, K., Tomer, A., Davis, L., & Sieke, R. (2017). Recovery and self-efficacy of a newly trained certified peer specialist following supplemental weekly group supervision: A case-based time-series analysis. American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 20, 1-15. https://doiorg.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/15487768.2016.1267051