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Peer interventions to promote health

Conceptual considerations

Bibliographic Data

ID9051508
AuthorsJane M Simoni (0000-0002-8711-1576, University of Washington), Julie Franks (0000-0001-6329-2301, Columbia University), Julie C Franks, Keren Lehavot (0000-0003-0230-2910, University of Washington), Samantha S Yard, Samantha Yard (University of Washington)
Year2011
Volume81
Issue3
Pages351-359
Publication date2011-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-9432 • E-ISSN: 1939-0025
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association (APA) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1111/j.1939-0025.2011.01103.x
PMID21729015
PMCIDPMC3607369
OpenAlexW2086181018
LanguageEN
Citations received52
References cited62

Peers have intervened to promote health since ancient times, yet few attempts have been made to describe theoretically their role and their interventions. After a brief overview of the history and variety of peer-based health interventions, a 4-part definition of peer interveners is presented here with a consideration of the dimensions of their involvement in health promotion. Then, a 2-step process is proposed as a means of conceptualizing peer interventions to promote health. Step 1 involves establishing a theoretical framework for the intervention's main focus (i.e., education, social support, social norms, self-efficacy, and patient advocacy), and Step 2 involves identifying a theory that justifies the use of peers and might explain their impact. As examples, the following might be referred to: theoretical perspectives from the mutual support group and self-help literature, social cognitive and social learning theories, the social support literature, social comparison theory, social network approaches, and empowerment models

Empowerment · Health promotion · Intervention (counseling) · Political science · Psychological intervention · Public health · Public relations · Social cognitive theory · Social learning theory · Social support · Variety (cybernetics) · Community Health and Development · Computer Science · Health Policy Implementation Science · Medicine · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Nursing · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works52
Citations per year3,47
Citation span2011 - 2026 (16)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 48
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