The Research about Peer Support shows its Many Benefits.

Peer support provides a wide variety of benefits. These benefits are confirmed and explained by scientific investigation and studies.

Overall, studies have found that peer support:

• Decreases morbidity and mortality rates
• Increases life expectancy
• Increases knowledge of a disease
• Improves self-efficacy
• Improves self-reported health status and self-care skills, including medication adherence
• Reduces use of emergency services

Additionally, providers of peer support report less depression, heightened self-esteem and self-efficacy, and improved quality of life.