Haley Bonnell

MHRC-Mitacs-iA Workplace Mental Health Studentship
Written By Mental Health Research Canada

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.

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.

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Lifewise Mental Health Peer Services

Mitacs iA Financial Group

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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.

 
Funded research
Haley Bonnell
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Peer supporters bring lived experience into mental health and addiction services, but integration into multidisciplinary systems can also create new workplace pressures. Haley Bonnell’s research with Lifewise is examining how work context shapes peer supporters’ mental health, well-being and experience of their roles.

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