There has been increasing interest in studying the impact of mentoring on individuals' self-efficacy, coping mechanisms, and overall mental health. Mentors play an important role in helping mentees develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities to navigate various challenges they may face in life, and these benefits extend beyond professional development to personal growth and emotional resilience. This article examines how supportive versus non-supportive mentorship experiences can influence self-efficacy, coping mechanisms, and psychological well-being, drawing on empirical research from various fields, including organizational psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology.
The literature suggests that supportive mentorship has numerous positive effects on self-efficacy, which refers to individuals' beliefs about their capabilities to successfully achieve goals and handle challenges.
One study found that mentees who received consistent encouragement and feedback from their mentors were more likely to report higher levels of self-efficacy compared to those who did not receive this support. Another study found that supportive mentorship was associated with increased self-esteem and confidence, leading to better performance and career success. Conversely, non-supportive mentorship experiences have been linked to lower self-efficacy, resulting in decreased motivation, reduced effort, and poorer outcomes.
Supportive mentorship also positively impacts coping strategies, such as problem-solving, stress management, and emotion regulation. One study found that mentees who felt supported by their mentors reported greater use of effective coping techniques, while another study found that supportive mentoring was associated with improved mental health outcomes, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Non-supportive mentorship may lead to negative coping behaviors, such as avoidance or rumination, further undermining individuals' emotional resilience.
The evidence suggests that both supportive and non-supportive mentorship can impact self-efficacy, coping mechanisms, and psychological well-being.
Supportive mentorship appears to be most beneficial for promoting these outcomes, while non-supportive mentorship can have detrimental effects on individuals' growth and development. Mentors should strive to create a safe and supportive environment where mentees feel comfortable expressing themselves openly, receiving constructive feedback, and exploring new perspectives.