Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a tailored self-compassion program for peer mentors within Canadian spinal cord injury community service organizations.

PURPOSE: We examined (1) the feasibility and acceptability of a tailored self-compassion program for peer mentors in Canadian spinal cord injury (SCI) community service organizations and (2) its effectiveness in improving compassion fatigue. compassion satisfaction, self-compassion, and mental health from pre to post and pre to 6-week follow-up.

METHODS

We co-developed this study with two Canadian SCI organizations. Fifteen peer mentors completed the self-compassion program. Each participant completed three surveys (pre/post/6-week follow-up) and two interviews (post/6-week follow-up). Non-parametric tests were used to examine quantitative changes in the outcome variables. Qualitative data were analyzed using directed content analysis (feasibility and acceptability data) and thematic analysis (effectiveness data).

RESULTS

The program was feasible and acceptable. Compassion fatigue decreased from pre to post and pre to follow-up. Total self-compassion and mental health increased from pre to post and pre to follow-up. Four themes were identified: from a self-critic to a self-ally, being a better peer mentor, building resilience, and benefits to the organization. At follow-up, peer mentors had evolving perspectives of the self and improved mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study provide insight into the benefits of a tailored self-compassion program for peer mentors, the mentees they provide care to, and the organizations delivering the peer support programs.