Implementation and Outcomes of Peer Support Workers in Services for People With Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

Personal Ment Health. 2026 May;20(2):e70066. doi: 10.1002/pmh.70066.

ABSTRACT

Peer Support Workers have increasingly been deployed within mental health services to provide support and empower those that may be experiencing challenges of a similar nature to them. While the evidence base is growing, less is known about peer support for people with personality disorder. A systematic review was carried out to identify any existing literature on Peer Support Workers in services for people with personality disorder (Prospero ID: 589614). Five databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed and CINAHL) from inception to 15 August 2025. Data extracted from relevant studies included country of study, participant sample, study aim and design, any outcome measures used and key findings, which were then evaluated together using a narrative synthesis approach. Thirteen papers were identified. Included studies suggested that Peer Support Workers took on varied roles, including facilitating support groups and advocating for service users. Barriers and facilitators to implementation included being provided with sufficient supervision, as well as receiving training and the ability to maintain boundaries. Studies also assessed outcomes of deployment on service users, including improvement in personality disorder-related symptoms, increased satisfaction with services and feeling validated and empowered. Initial findings suggest that the implementation of Peer Support Workers in services for people with personality disorder could be valuable if it is done intentionally and meaningfully. Further research is required to strengthen the evidence base in this area, with larger and more diverse samples to work towards enhancing and improving care for people with personality disorder.

PMID:41795883 | DOI:10.1002/pmh.70066