College Peer Mentoring: Flourishing Through Service and Connection

Maples, A. E., Kazlauskaite, V., Wongmo, T., Mendenhall, T., & Weiler, L. M. (2025). An examination of the lived experiences of college student mentors and their experiences of flourishing in a youth mentoring program. Journal of Community Psychology, 53(5), e70021. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.70021

Introduction

Flourishing, characterized by optimism, purpose, and supportive relationships, is a key predictor of college students’ well-being. While mentoring benefits youth, less is known about its influence on college mentors themselves. Maples and colleagues (2025) explored how mentoring fosters flourishing among student mentors.

Methods

Using a phenomenological design, nine female mentors from a campus youth mentoring program participated in focus groups. They completed Diener et al.’s (2010) Flourishing Scale and reflected on how mentoring shaped their well-being. Thematic analysis was conducted within a broaden-and-build theoretical framework.

Results

Mentors described flourishing through five main domains: purpose, social relationships, engagement, happiness, and optimism about the future. They linked mentoring to academic motivation, stronger interpersonal skills, and community belonging. Notably, mentors reported that relationships with peers and staff were as influential as those with mentees. Growth also included practical skills such as time management, self-care, and leadership development, suggesting that mentoring influenced both personal and professional trajectories.

Discussion

These findings reinforce that mentoring relationships are reciprocal, with mentors gaining resilience, confidence, and direction. Beyond immediate benefits, participants reported greater clarity about career goals and stronger commitment to civic engagement. The study highlights how positive emotions generated in mentoring contexts can broaden students’ capacity to explore new opportunities and deepen social ties.

Implications for Mentoring Programs

Programs should cultivate mentor flourishing by offering spaces for peer and staff connection, professional development, and reflection. Such support can sustain mentor engagement and enhance program effectiveness.

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