The Helping Mechanism and Application of Peer Support

Peer support is transitioning from the traditional “expert-centered” model to a new paradigm of “ecological empowerment”. This article explores that peer support has surpassed traditional psychological assistance in the digital age in recent years and developed a new support ecological niche. Peer support is not merely the accumulation of individual supportive behaviors but a dynamic, multi-layered, interactive system. Through a “nested dynamic mechanism structure”, this system spans from the foundational layer of social support, to the strategic layer of experiential knowledge and social learning, to the driving layer of Helper Therapy Principle and social comparison mechanisms, provides theoretical and philosophical stance support for peer support with the ideological trend of postmodern psychotherapy concepts. Through this multi-layered, interactive, integrated intervention model, peer support demonstrates unique advantages and potential in promoting the restoration and development of mental health.