Introduction:

Peer-mentoring is a mentoring model in which the mentor is a more advanced undergraduate student who accompanies a group of freshmen (Mentees). At the UFERSA medical School, this process occurs throughout the first semester. The method aims to contribute to the freshman’s personal and academic development and to their integration into the academic environment at the medical course, especially with regard to the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method.

Objective:

Evaluating the perception of mentees about their experience in peer-mentoring and its potential benefits regarding personal, academic and mental health development.

Method:

An exploratory research, of a descriptive nature and with a qualitative approach, was carried out through 20 interviews with incoming students who participated in the project as mentees in the first semesters of 2018.1 or 2019.1. The data was processed through thematic content analysis, consisting of three main stages: pre-analysis, exploration of the material and treatment of the results obtained and their interpretation.

Result:

Two categories were found: Emotional and social support; Study planning. The interviewees considered their experience as mentees to be positive and pointed out that the method contributed to their personal and/or academic development. The reduction in stress and anxiety was attributed to the fact of having a veteran student assisting them in the transition to college and the support group. The themes covered in the meetings, tips from the mentors and tools presented helped in the planning of studies, selection of priorities and techniques for optimizing learning.

Conclusion:

The peer-mentoring project helped the personal development of the freshmen and supported their adaptation to and integration with the academic environment, the medical course and the PBL method. Thus, the support offered by the project to the newcomer facilitated the self-management process, promoted welcoming and reduced anxiety, also contributing to the mentee’s mental health.

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