The Science Behind WeBe
Peer Support
WeBe has developed engaging features to facilitate and enhance peer support. Peer support has been found to be highly effective in addressing a range of challenges including mental health, addiction, and chronic health conditions across populations. For example, peer support has been adopted by the Department of Veterans Affairs and is a popular and effective tool utilized by many Veteran Service Organizations to support and care for transitioning Service members, Veterans, and military families. Also, studies have found a significant relationship between peer support and a variety of positive outcomes including substance use recovery, decreased depression, and increased motivation and hope (see Castellanos et al., 2018 and Davidson et al., 2012).
Other studies offer additional insights into the power of peer support:
Peer support has been found to increase the experience of acceptance, understanding, and validation not found in other professional relationships. By sharing their own lived experience and practical guidance, peer support specialists help people to develop their own goals, create strategies for self-empowerment, and take concrete steps towards building fulfilling, self-determined lives for themselves (SAMHSA, 2017).
Studies sponsored by the U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration have also reported that peer support increases engagement in self-care and wellness, a sense of hope and inspiration, as well as a sense of control and ability to make behavioral changes.
Specific studies focused on the Veteran and Military community have consistently supported the value of peer support.
Peer support activities have been demonstrated to positively influence the well being of Veterans, Service members, and their families on a holistic level across multiple domains (Mercier et al., 2023).