Den levda erfarenheten som kunskap - En kvalitativ intervjustudie om det erfarenhetsbaserade kunskapsanvändandet hos peer supportrar

Sammanfattning: The evidence-based practice in the field of social work is leaning on science, professional expertise, and the client's wishes and experiences, with the latter two tending to be of less value. With the implementation of peer support in psychiatric care and social support, there is room for this tendency to be challenged. This study aimed to explore how the peer supporters experience and view their usage of experiential knowledge and its effect on the formation of the relationship with the client. The chosen method to conduct the study was qualitative interviews with peer supporters, all currently employed in either psychiatric care or social support. When analyzing the results we applied the perspective of symbolic interactionism, with a focus on the concept of role-taking and the generalized other. We further applied Goffman’s stigma theory and Zimmerman’s empowerment theory. One finding in our study was the use of self-awareness as a way to establish a connection with the client. Another finding was that the presence of peer support contributed to an opportunity to repeal the dichotomy of expert and client. Lastly, this study found that peer support creates a context in which the client both gets access to an empowering process and reduces their stigma.