Research Abstract:

Background: The PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is an intervention that focuses on building and maintaining friendships in adolescence with psychosocial delays. Creating a social support system is imperative for adolescents with psychosocial delays in order to promote inclusivity and build self confidence through social interactions.

Purpose: There is a lack of knowledge on the implementation of PEERS® by occupational therapists, though the scope of practice closely aligns with the desired outcomes of helping students find enjoyment through purposeful activities and creating a foundation for building meaningful relationships.

Methods: The study seeked to gain the perspective of occupational therapists and examine their self-reported perceived competence of their roles in leading the PEERS® program through an electronic survey designed using Qualtrics. The survey included components on demographics, OT and PEERS® experience, perceived competence, and roles to understand their experiences.The survey was distributed to occupational therapists globally who had certified as a PEERS® provider. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.

Results: Based on survey findings occupational therapists felt that the PEERS® program fit with their OT practice framework and role as an OT within their practice setting, and that they had the skills to carry out all components of the intervention from their OT education.

Conclusions: Occupational therapists can bring in their unique strategies and expertise from occupational therapy to enable youth to build friendships using the PEERS® program.