The role of peer support in recovery among clients with mental illness attending the psychiatric service in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia: a qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background The understanding that mental health recovery is a personal and subjective experience informs mental health policies in many countries. However, most of the populations in these studies are from the West, limiting their applicability in Asia. Peer support in mental health refers to helping and mentoring people who have overcome similar obstacles. Despite being proven to be effective in promoting recovery, little is known about its use in Malaysian psychiatric patients. This study aims to explore the participants’ perspectives on their concept of recovery and how the peer support group (PSG) aid them to achieve recovery. Methodology This study was conducted on clients with mental illness who attended the PSG provided by the Community Psychiatry and Psychosocial Intervention Unit in National University Malaysia Medical Centre. A qualitative generic inductive approach was employed in this thematic exploratory study. Purposive sampling was the method used to collect the data for this thematic exploratory study. In-depth interviews of 11 study participants were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke (2006) descriptive thematic analysis method. Results The findings of this study highlighted six key themes; three pertaining to the participants’ perspectives on the meaning of recovery (1. Gaining self-reliance and social inclusion, 2. Personal growth and improved life circumstances in recovery, and 3. Symptoms improvement) and another three pertaining to how the peer support group aids recovery (1. Empowerment and growth through peer support, 2. Promoting well-being, 3. Social connection and support). Conclusion The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the perspectives of psychiatry clinic patients enrolled in PSG on the concept of recovery and the role of such groups in their recovery journey. The findings demonstrated that the PSG complemented the participants’ perspectives on recovery, reinforcing the notion that a comprehensive and person-centered approach to mental health services is essential for successful and sustained recovery outcomes.