A qualitative evaluation of mentors’ experiences of a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic mentor scheme for clinical psychologists

Afsana Faheem, Nina Higson-Sweeney, Oyku Eyüboğlu , Khyati Patel , Mehak Gandhi , Susanne Wilczoch , Josie Millar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: Inequalities in the clinical psychology profession extend to the uptake and recruitment of clinical psychologists from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. Mentoring schemes can help facilitate mentee’s personal and professional development. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of mentors who participated in the BAME mentor scheme at University of Bath.

Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with N = 29 mentors (both trainee and qualified clinical psychologists), who predominately identified as female and White British. The reflexive thematic analysis six-step process was employed to analyse the data.

Results: Four major themes were generated; (1) Mentoring as a learning curve; (2) Mentoring in the context of BAME; (3) Why we mentor: The impact; and (4) Moving the scheme forward: What next?

Conclusions: Overall, mentoring was a rewarding experience for mentors, and given the right support, could help strengthen the mentoring experience and aims of the scheme for the future. These findings offer insight and guidance for future mentoring programmes considering diversifying the clinical psychology profession.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages24
JournalMentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning
Early online date21 Mar 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Mar 2024

Bibliographical note

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Funding

This research was supported by Health Education England (HEE).

Keywords

  • Clinical psychology
  • Mentor
  • diversity
  • ethnic minority
  • mentoring

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

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