Peer Support in the Multidisciplinary Context
As peer support becomes more integrated into mental health and addiction care, peer supporters may encounter stigma, role ambiguity and tensions with other staff. In partnership with Lifewise, Haley’s project will examine both the broader Canadian peer-support context and how different work settings may affect peer supporters’ well-being.
Previous studies of integrating peer support into mental health services in the United States and United Kingdom provide context for this research (Matthews et al., 2023; Vandewalle et al., 2016).
Peer supporters bring lived experience as recipients of mental health and addiction care, making their own well-being an important consideration as peer support is integrated into these systems.
Approach and methodology
The study will survey and interview peer supporters about their mental health, workplace experiences and perceptions of their roles. Measures are expected to include workplace burnout, compassion fatigue and role ambiguity.
Expected contribution
The findings are intended to provide a clearer picture of peer support in Canada and help inform how peer-support roles are implemented in mental health-care systems.
About the researcher
Haley Bonnell is a second-year PhD student in Experimental Psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her background is in well-being and social psychology, and her doctoral interests centre on the philosophy, effectiveness and accessibility of peer support services.
Through research and advocacy, Haley aspires to remove barriers to mental health care and improve access to low-barrier social supports. Outside academia, she enjoys spending time with her cats, Belle and Fiona.
