PhD defence M. (Margriet) Lenkens

Dissertation in short:

In this thesis, we explored the support needs of young people engaging in criminal behaviour, and investigated a type of support that may meet these needs. This support is provided by experiential peers, individuals who have similar experiences to their clients. Our interviews with experiential peers and clients and an extensive literature review showed that several mechanisms play a role in the relationship between experiential peers and clients. First, experiential peers show empathy and do not judge their clients quickly. Second, clients see experiential peers as credible role models. Experiential peers also provide hope and perspective because they have “succeeded” despite a troubled past. Third, a trusting bond can develop more easily or quickly between experiential peers and clients because of their shared identities, because experiential peers share more of their personal stories and because experiential peers find equality and reciprocity important. Fourth, experiential peers have a recovery perspective on desistance. They understand that it is a complex and non-linear process. Based on our findings, we suggest that organisations serving justice-involved individuals could explore the possibility of working with experiential peers. Experiential peer support should be organised in a thoughtful manner, paying attention to selection and training of experiential peers, and creating a supportive work environment. Future research can increase our knowledge of experiential peer support by conducting long-term research and by focusing more on the type of support experiential peers provide and the contextual factors that influence its outcomes.