What Makes Intentional Unidirectional Peer Support for Homeless People Work? An Exploratory Analysis Based on Clients’ and Peer Workers’ Perceptions

Datos Bibliográficos

ID18974591
AutoresSandra H H Schel (0000-0002-1981-5715, Radboud University Medical Center, autor de correspondencia), Linda Van Den Dries (Radboud University Medical Center), Judith R L M Wolf, Judith Wolf (0000-0001-7106-9142, Radboud University Nijmegen), Astrid M Altena (0000-0002-2221-5526, Radboud University Medical Center)
Año2022
Volumen32
Número6
Páginas929-941
Fecha de publicación2022-05-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
EditorialSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10497323221083356
PMID35345943
OpenAlexW4221120813
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas20

Homeless people are increasingly supported by peer workers in one-on-one mentorship relations called intentional unidirectional peer support (IUPS). Insight is therefore needed into the application and outcome of IUPS for this vulnerable population. This study examined the outcomes, critical elements, and working mechanisms of IUPS within homeless services from the perspective of both clients receiving IUPS and peer workers providing IUPS. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were held with ten homeless clients and ten peer workers. According to participants, IUPS enhances clients’ self-image, advances their personal growth, and results in better engagement with needed services. Rapport and empathy, a trustworthy and empowering relationship, as well as support, guidance, and mediation are what makes IUPS work according to the participants. The inclusion of both perspectives has led to a deeper understanding of what makes IUPS work for homeless people. Implications for practice are discussed

Empathy · Mediation · Medical education · Mentorship · Perception · Population · Sociology · Trustworthiness · Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare · Homelessness and Social Issues · Medicine · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology · Social Psychology