– The purpose of this paper is to systematically identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative research into how working as a peer support worker (PSW) affects personal recovery.
– Ten articles were identified through a systematic search of seven databases, grey literature, reference lists, citations and contact with authors in the field. Identified articles were critically appraised and their results synthesised using metaethnography.
– There is potential to significantly improve the quality of the research in this field. Four categories were constructed to synthesise the findings of the reviewed studies, which demonstrated that being a PSW has the potential to be both facilitative of and detrimental to personal recovery.
– The quality of existing studies varies widely. Further, high-quality research is required to specifically investigate the effects of employment as a PSW on personal recovery.
– The findings are tentative in light of the quality of the studies, but should be considered in the employment, training and ongoing support of PSWs and the services they join.
– Through its systematic methodology and appraisal of the quality of the studies reviewed, this review adds value to the literature about the effect of working as a PSW on personal recovery. It offers an original synthesis and criteria for measuring the quality of research in this field.
