Analysis of mentors' psychological needs
Date
2007-02-28T11:55:06Z
Authors
Kleovoulou, Ioanna-Christina
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Abstract
In the field of mentoring the psychological needs of mentors have been given little attention in
previous research. The aim of this study is to analyse mentors’ psychological needs within a
corporate environment. The research approach is exploratory and was conducted within a
qualitative framework. A sample of 5 mentors within the corporate environment was drawn
and semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. Thematic content analysis was
applied to report and summarise the data and Covey’s (1989) four dimensions of human
functioning (mental, social-emotional, physical and spiritual) was used to categorise mentor
needs.
The key findings of the study from a mental perspective indicate that mentors identified
continuous and experiential learning as a method for continual mental growth. Further mentor
training was recommended by the mentors to assist in addressing their mental needs and help
them to improve their time-management skills. Mentors’ social-emotional needs focused
around the need for a supportive social network from significant others to maintain a state of
well-being. The ability to be understanding, to be good listeners and the ability to set
appropriate boundaries within the mentoring relationship were identified by mentors as
emotional skills (needs) that they would like to improve. From a physical needs perspective, all
the mentors revealed an awareness of the need to stay healthy in various ways. Every mentor
stated that he/she was affected by stress and that it manifested in different ways, however, the
mentors were satisfied with the resources provided by their organisation for their health and
well-being. From a spiritual perspective, mentors experienced satisfaction from assisting in
others’ growth, suggesting a need for engaging with and learning from others.
Description
Student Number : 0301924V -
MA dissertation -
School of Psychology -
Faculty of Humanities
Keywords
mentor, mentorship, psychological needs, career development, motivation, experiential learning