Reflections of an MSc health psychology mentoring pilot

Abstract

Supporting students during Covid-19 restrictions was a priority across UK academic institutions, and evidence demonstrates that peer mentoring can be an effective resource. This paper reflects on a pilot peer mentoring scheme for MSc Health Psychology 2021/22 students at the University of Stirling and the associated evaluation study. The pilot provided mentors from the previously graduating cohort to support student transition by sharing experiences, signposting resources and facilitating intra-cohort connection. The evaluation study involved a mixed-method survey design based on the Kirkpatrick training model. Fifteen mentees (60% of programme participants) and five mentors participated in the online survey. Analysis indicated the perceived benefit of a peer mentoring programme, with mentees emphasising the value derived from learning about mentors’ recent experiences. The limited improvements to perceptions of community within the cohort, however, suggest that balancing information provision with interaction opportunities is a key consideration for future mentoring programme delivery. The challenge for translating this pilot scheme into wider institutional provision will rely on creating space for programme development and management within overburdened academic workloads. In the short term, however, the Health Psychology Trainee Network hopes to relieve institutional burden and offer support to stage 1 trainees.