Sharing and modifying stories in neonatal peer support: an international mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Social Work
• Psychology
• Healthcare Support

Background:

• Shared personal experiences are crucial in peer support but can cause harm.
• Challenges exist regarding peer supporters' emotional readiness and disclosure levels.
• Neonatal peer support requires specific considerations for personal story sharing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how peer supporters' personal stories are used, valued, assessed, and moderated in neonatal peer support.
• To identify methods for instilling and assessing boundaries in peer story sharing.
• To safeguard and promote positive outcomes for both peer supporters and parents.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of an international mixed-methods study.
• Online surveys distributed via contacts and social media.
• Follow-up interviews with survey respondents.

Main Results:

• Variations in preferred story types and perceived peer readiness for sharing.
• Methods for encouraging story sharing and assessing peer readiness.
• Techniques for establishing and evaluating boundaries in peer narratives.

Conclusions:

• Peer supporters' stories in neonatal care align with the 'use of self' in social work.
• Modification of personal stories is essential to prioritize parent needs and minimize harm.
• Further development of peer supporter resilience and emotional intelligence is recommended.