Defining peer education

Abstract

Although popular, peer education is surrounded by considerable ambiguity. To encourage greater clarity an operational framework for defining and interpreting peer interventions is presented in this article. The author recommends that consideration should be given to what it is that constitutes "peerness", the aims and methods of an intervention and the way in which peer educators are involved. Reflecting a gap in the existing literature, particular attention is paid to the nature of peer involvement. A key distinction is posited between "peer development" and "peer delivery" and it is suggested that there is a "fit" between location, approach and client group.