‘We’re all on the same journey; some are just a bit further down the road than others’: a qualitative study exploring peer mentors’ experiences in Active Rehabilitation camps for individuals with acquired brain injury
Creators: name: Wedege, P.
name: Divanoglou, A.
name: Abrahamsen, F. E.
name: Mæland, S.
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Medicine
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Science Policy
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Mental Health

description: This study aimed to explore how peer mentors experience their role and practice in Active Rehabilitation camps for individuals with acquired brain injury. Sixteen peer mentors with acquired brain injury were interviewed, and the data were analysed using Systematic text condensation. Self-determination theory was used to interpret the results. Six themes were constructed: “Altruistic motives drive peer mentors” engagement”, “What does it mean to be a peer mentor?”, “Peer mentors question their qualifications”, “Camp is tough—Nothing can compare”, “Being a peer mentor—A part of one’s rehabilitation process”, and “Closeness and trust—A bubble of understanding”. The peer mentors reported personal benefits, such as increased knowledge about brain injury, self-esteem, motivation, physical activity, community participation, and social networks. They perceived that mutual understanding among peer mentors and mentees created a safe camp atmosphere, which led to positive experiences. The peer mentors benefitted from their role and described it as part of their rehabilitation journey. We recommend that peer mentors receive training before entering this position, feedback on their performance, and camp schedules that accommodate time for rest and informal meetings between mentees and peer mentors. Peer mentorship interventions for individuals with acquired neurological injury are becoming more popular. Because peer mentors are vital in such interventions, learning more about their perspectives is essential.Peer mentors with acquired brain injury (ABI) who engage in Active Rehabilitation camps report various personal benefits, such as heightened self-esteem, increased community participation, and establishment of a broader support network.To address challenges that peer mentors may perceive, we recommend that the organisers of these interventions ensure mentors receive adequate training before taking on their roles and receive ongoing feedback on their performance.Individuals with ABI who are interested in peer mentoring and fulfil the organisers’ criteria should be encouraged to apply for this role, as it can become a natural extension of their rehabilitation process. Peer mentorship interventions for individuals with acquired neurological injury are becoming more popular. Because peer mentors are vital in such interventions, learning more about their perspectives is essential. Peer mentors with acquired brain injury (ABI) who engage in Active Rehabilitation camps report various personal benefits, such as heightened self-esteem, increased community participation, and establishment of a broader support network. To address challenges that peer mentors may perceive, we recommend that the organisers of these interventions ensure mentors receive adequate training before taking on their roles and receive ongoing feedback on their performance. Individuals with ABI who are interested in peer mentoring and fulfil the organisers’ criteria should be encouraged to apply for this role, as it can become a natural extension of their rehabilitation process.