If power differences go unrecognized, it could lead to peers being less than honest through fear of retribution.

Fear of retribution

Many peer support workers may have to work with professionals who have treated them in the past, and staff may fail to treat them as professional equals or continue to view them as 'patients'.

Challenge equal relationship

Formalising peer support by offering payment, training and titles will lead to power differences.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

* Boundaries
* Power
* Stress for peer support workers
* Accountability
* Maintaining peer support workers' distinct role

Challenging issues in peer support

Repper, J., & Carter, T. (2011). A review of the literature on peer support in mental health services. Journal of mental health, 20(4), 392-411. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638237.2011.583947

A review of the literature on peer support in mental health services

Peer support workers may be viewed more like friends than non-peer case managers or clinical staff, and they are expected to disclose personal information and to share intimate stories from their own lives.

Boundaries in peer support

Power

Peer support workers might be exposed to stress that could result in a reoccurrence of symptoms that may result in rehospitalisation.

Stress for peer support workers

There is a shared responsibility between peer support workers and peers that moves away from risk assessments towards mutually responsible relationships.

Accountability

They provide support based on experience rather than professional expertise, more reciprocal relationships and more egalitarian conversations. 

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