Degree
Master of Arts
Program
Kinesiology
Supervisor
Salmoni, Alan W.
Abstract
Post-secondary student mental health is a major concern, with students facing increased stress levels and decreased probabilities of engaging in health-promoting behaviours such as physical activity. Peer mentorship programs are one solution. The purpose of this study was to analyze the mental health and resilience outcomes of being a mentor in a year-long, university-based peer mentorship program. Using a mixed methods design, mentors completed quantitative assessments of mental health and resilience pre- and post-mentorship program. Mentors also wrote qualitative self-reflections at the end of the program. Quantitatively, the only statistically significant change was in mentors’ Positive Affect, which increased over time. Qualitatively, mentors expressed improvements in their mental health and resilience. The results of this study show that mentors experience mental health and resilience benefits from their roles. Future mentorship programs should consider these findings and attempt to foster an environment conducive to the improvement of mental health and resilience.
Recommended Citation
Kukreja, Gazal, "The Mental Health and Resilience Benefits of Being a Peer Mentor" (2018). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 5671.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/5671