The Occupation of Youth Peer Support Workers Within an Integrated Youth Services Initiative
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 8907278 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Madelyn Whyte (0009-0006-3111-6438, University of British Columbia, corresponding author), Kaylie Schols-Flett (University of British Columbia), Bridgette Ferrara (University of British Columbia), C James Warren (0000-0002-2374-1421, Spinal Cord Injury BC), Cassia Warren, M A Wenger (Providence Health Care), Matt Wenger, Gina Dimitropoulos (0000-0001-9487-0290, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute), Skye Barbic (0000-0002-7076-2452) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 62 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 15-25 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-28 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Community Mental Health Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0010-3853 • E-ISSN: 1573-2789 |
| Publisher | Springer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10597-025-01498-1 |
| PMID | 40719969 |
| OpenAlex | W4412693438 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 25 |
Youth peer support workers (YPSWs) use lived/living experience to provide support. However, there is a knowledge gap about service impact on YPSWs themselves. To understand (1) impact being a YPSW has on well-being, (2) experience of being a YPSW, and (3) barriers and facilitators of being a YPSW. Eighteen YPSWs at an integrated youth services (IYS) initiative in British Columbia, Canada, completed semi-structured interviews in fall 2023. Interviews were analysed thematically using an inductive approach. Themes were identified relating to the YPSW role extending beyond employment, providing a sense of purpose and contributing to personal and professional growth as a low-barrier employment opportunity. YPSWs also identified barriers and facilitators within their role. Findings highlight the value of YPSWs as an occupation and the distinction of this role. To strengthen the profession and increase supports for YPSWs, the development of clear policies and standards is essential
Developmental psychology · Environmental health · Occupational safety and health · Peer review · Peer support · Poison control · Political science · Positive Youth Development · Psychiatry · Suicide prevention · Homelessness and Social Issues · Medicine · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology · Social Work Education and Practice
Age of onset and cumulative risk of mental disorders
Designing and scaling up integrated youth mental health care
Mental health of young people
Peer Support in Mental Health
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (Coreq)
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
A systematic scoping review of peer support interventions in integrated primary youth mental health care
The Experiences of Youth Mental Health Peer Workers over Time
I Think Peer Support Helps to Demystify People Who Have Mental Health Issues and Helps to Remove That Stigma”
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Employing a Qualitative Description Approach in Health Care Research
Exploring Peer Support Services for Youth Experiencing Multiple Health and Social Challenges in Canada
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |