RT Article
T1 ‘I (really) know what you mean’. Mechanisms of experiential peer support for young people with criminal behavior: a qualitative study
JF Journal of crime and justice
VO 44
IS 5
SP 535
OP 552
A1 Lenkens, Margriet
A2 Nagelhout, Gera E.
A2 Schenk, Loïs
A2 Sentse, Miranda
A2 Severiens, Sabine
A2 Engbersen, Godfried 1958-
A2 Dijkhoff, Lisa
A2 Lenthe, Frank van
LA English
YR 2021
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1785942204
AB Individuals with a criminal background are increasingly involved in support for people with criminal behavior. However, research into what happens in the relationship between these experiential peers (EPs) and clients is scarce. This qualitative study investigates EPs’ perspectives on the mechanisms of experiential peer support and how this compares to regular support by care providers without lived experiences. We interviewed seventeen EPs who provided support to young people with criminal behavior. The results suggest that shared experiences between EPs and their clients play a central role. EPs identify with their clients, leading to empathy and a non-judgmental attitude. Clients seem to perceive EPs as credible role models who offer hope. EPs’ lived experiences seem to induce a realistic view of desistance and an emphasis on a humane relationship with their client, which is characterized by equality, reciprocity, trust and sincerity. This recovery-oriented approach towards criminal behavior and desistance could also be utilized by non-EPs. Future research should investigate others’ perspectives on and experiences with experiential peer support, in particular those of clients and co-workers.
K1 Juvenile Delinquency
K1 Adolescents
K1 Criminal Behavior
K1 Experiential peer support
DO 10.1080/0735648X.2020.1848608