The helper feels an enhanced sense of interpersonal competence from making an impact on another's life. 

Enhanced interpersonal competence

The helper feels that she/he has gained as much as she/he has given to others.

Giving and gaining

The helper receives "personalized learning" from working with others.

Learning process when helping others

The helper acquires an enhanced sense of self from the social approval received for those helped.

Enhanced sense of self

With these feedback and affirmation of themselves, they are in a better position to help others. 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Peer support services afford individuals the opportunity to benefit themselves from helping others. This phenomenon is called the helper-therapy principle. 

Helper-therapy principle in peer support

Solomon, P. (2004). Peer support/peer provided services underlying processes, benefits, and critical ingredients. Psychiatric rehabilitation journal, 27(4), 392. https://doi.org/10.2975/27.2004.392.401

Learn Before

Related

Learn After