Power and Ethics in Peer Research With Young People: A Critical Review of the Health and Social Work Literature

Peer research, where individuals with lived experience adopt the role of researcher, is increasingly used in studies with young people, particularly on sensitive topics and with marginalised groups. It is valued for its potential to reduce power imbalances and generate rich data. However, conceptual and theoretical gaps remain, particularly concerning ethical complexities and power dynamics. This critical review examines how peer research with young people is conceptualised and implemented in health and social work literature. A systematic search yielded 54 studies involving young people (aged 10-24) as peer researchers. Data were analysed using a two-stage thematic coding process. Most studies were conducted in high-income settings and focused on topics such as sexual health, homelessness, care, and violence. While many cited benefits like stronger rapport and data quality, few engaged deeply with ethical or power-related challenges. Strategies such as relationship-building, role definition, and open communication helped mitigate adult-young people power imbalances. However, power dynamics amongst young people themselves were rarely addressed. Ethical concerns, particularly regarding confidentiality and safeguarding, were amplified in peer research, and personal connections to the research topic introduced a heightened emotional toll on young people, which could be mitigated through strategies such as trauma-informed approaches. Peer research offers significant potential for the meaningful engagement of young people in research, but should not be assumed as inherently safe or power neutral. Greater reflexivity, theoretical grounding, and context-specific ethical planning are essential. We conclude with guiding questions to support researchers in making impactful decisions about employing peer research.