Qualitative analysis of the peer-mentoring relationship among individuals with spinal cord injury.

Abstract

Objectives: To identify salient dimensions and outcomes of the peer-mentoring relationship among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). To understand from the perspective of the mentee how the mentoring relationship differs from other supportive relationships. Study Design: Qualitative. Participants: Convenience sample of 7 mentees from a hospital-based SCI peer-mentoring project. Method: Telephone interviews with mentees were conducted 1-4 months postdischarge, and results were coanalyzed with grounded theory methodology. Results: Mentees emphasized the impact of the mentor in terms of his or her practical, emotional, and identity-changing influence. Relationship quality was influenced by multiple factors (e.g., age, friendliness). Five components of the relationship (credibility, equitability, mutuality, acceptance, normalization) differentiated mentoring from other supportive relationships. Conclusions: Peer mentors provide a unique combination of supportive elements not replicated by other relationships. Mentoring programs are useful interventions for facilitating adjustment after SCI. Recommendations for implementing a mentoring program are provided on the basis of participant suggestions.

Qualitative evaluation of a Community Peer Support Service for people with spinal cord injury

“…These echo the findings of other studies, 5,14,15 which reported the value of non-specific psychological and emotional support through the input of a peer mentor:…”

“…It may also apply more generally as mentees have been credited with being able to provide information holistically. This has been highlighted by Veith et al, 14 who found that the credibility of the 'peer mentor' resided in the mentor providing the 'truth' about living with an SCI. This credibility was based on the fact that they can provide 'first hand' knowledge.…”

“…19,20 It appears to take a particular sort of character to offer peer support to people with an SCI. It could probably be best summarised by friendliness, compassion and trust.…”

Peer-delivered physical activity interventions: an overlooked opportunity for physical activity promotion

“…Peer mentors are individuals who have successfully faced a particular experience and can provide good counsel and empathic understanding to help others, with similar salient population characteristics, through a comparable experience [21,22]. Given the mentor's experiential knowledge, the mentor is able to provide support that matches the needs of the recipient, along with role modeling, and an opportunity for believable hope [23].…”

“…Given that the essence of peer mentoring is the sharing of experiential knowledge [21,22,26], and such vicarious experiences can help to build self-efficacy [38], interventions may be most effective when delivered by physically active peers who can share their experiences and challenges with adopting an active lifestyle. Yet with the exception of one study [45] that reported minutes per week of physical activity performed by peers both at the study initiation and completion, the reviewed studies provided very little, if any, information on the peers' activity levels.…”