"Teaching somebody else makes you a better person:" A phenomenological exploration of the importance of informal peer support for individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Background: Peer support is widely recognized as an important aspect of health promotion for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Reports indicate positive effects for the recipients of either informal and formal peer support. The experience can also be meaningful to the person(s) providing support, although the value to providers is not well studied.

Objective: This study examines the experience of provision of and receipt of informal peer support for individuals with SCI through semi-structured interviews.

Methods: Data were analysed using a qualitative phenomenological approach. 16 participants with SCI participated in the study.

Results: Three main themes were developed, each describing different benefits of peer support from the perspective of both members of the peer support dyad. First, participants found personal satisfaction from using their own experiences to help others adjust to their disability. Participants also noted that they learned how to complete activities of daily living as well as how to be autonomous in travel from others with SCI. Finally, participants spoke of the intrinsic benefit in teaching others with SCI.

Conclusions: This study provides a novel understanding of the importance of informal peer support for individuals with SCI. Practitioners should provide opportunities for individuals with SCI to develop informal peer relationships with others who have sustained SCI.

Keywords: Adjustment to disability; Informal peer support; Peer learning; Peer mentoring; Peer support; Qualitative; SCI.