Social/Emotional Culture of Care of Peer Mentoring in Higher Education

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Informal and Peer Learning in the Humanities (Table 7)

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the mitigating impact of student-student (doctoral student-undergraduate student) mentorships on university students’ academic and personal lives. Specifically, the study examines the interactions between doctoral student mentors and undergraduate mentees and inquires into the benefits and challenges encountered during participation in the program. Research on long-term crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in which individuals’ lives are transformed beyond their control, manifests a variety of stress-related psychological reactions within the general population such as anxiety, fear, and hopelessness (Brooks et al., 2020). Findings suggest multiple benefits, and highlight organic relationship building, diverse support, and reciprocity in mentoring, as well as imposter syndrome, active listening, reflective practice, need for self care, and similitude.

Authors

• Gayle A. Curtis, University of Houston
  Presenting Author

• Amy Murdock, University of Houston
  Presenting Author

• Yali Zou, University of Houston
  Presenting Author