Predictive Characteristics of Postive Mentor- Mentee Relationships

This quantitative study focused on predictive characteristics of positive mentor-mentee relationships at Ferris State University College of Pharmacy. Due to the number of withdrawals and dismissals of first-year pharmacy students, a pharmacy peer mentor program (PPMP) was created to strengthen support of incoming students. Survey feedback from students indicated a majority of students were highly satisfied with their mentoring experience; however, a minority of students also indicated dissatisfaction with their mentor. The purpose of this study was to explore characteristics of positive mentoring relationships in an effort to improve mentee satisfaction rates. With a better understanding of what made some mentoring relationships succeed more than others, the researcher believed that improvements could be made to mentor and mentee training and PPMP programming, ultimately improving overall satisfaction rates. Results of the study indicated that mentees who met more often and for longer periods of time with their mentors, were more satisfied with their mentoring relationship. In addition, when mentors rated themselves high in goal striving, mentees were highly satisfied with the relationship. In contrast, when mentors rated themselves high in study skills, their mentees were less satisfied with the relationship. In addition, the most common topics discussed during mentoring sessions included test preparation, study skills, and concerns about academic success. However, when regressed with mentee satisfaction, topics identified as most important to mentees included encouragement, study skills, and experiential information.
These results indicate a need for better training for mentors and mentees that include communication skills, study skills, the importance of encouragement, and providing sufficient information about experientials. Improving mentor and mentee training and PPMP planning to address the gaps found in this study should improve mentee satisfaction levels.