Open AccessGuiding and Gauging
Author(s) -
Timothy Bono,
Katherine E. Pei,
Danielle F. Bristow
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the journal of college orientation and transition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2690-4535
pISSN - 1534-2263
DOI - 10.24926/jcotr.v20i2.2830
Subject(s) - perception , psychology , transition (genetics) , peer group , medical education , social psychology , medicine , biochemistry , chemistry , neuroscience , gene
The present study explores the extent to which peer leaders are able to accurately gauge first-year students’ transitions into university life. Over the 15 weeks of the fall semester, 93 freshmen reported on their actual academic, social, and psychological experiences during their transition; meanwhile, 63 peer leaders reported weekly on their perceptions of the freshman experiences, along with their own psychological and academic wellbeing during the semester. Overall, peer leaders were highly accurate in their perceptions of the freshman transition. Peer leaders had the lowest accuracy during weeks that were personally stressful. Recommendations are provided on how to best support and train peer mentors for optimal success.