ERIC Number: EJ1455742
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-None
EISSN: EISSN-2538-1032
Supporting the Mental Health of Dietetics Students: Perspectives from Work Placement Supervisors
Reena Soniassy; Andrew J. Martin; Rozanne Kruger
International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, v25 n4 p727-743 2024
This study explores workplace supervisors' perceptions of student mental health during their work-integrated learning (WIL) programme and their role in supporting these students. Research methods involved analyzing online survey (n = 80) results and semi-structured recorded interviews (n = 11) with supervisors from the MSc WIL programme (Nutrition and Dietetics) at Massey University, New Zealand. Supervisors noted student's mental health being influenced across individual-, relationship- and organizational areas. However, most supervisors (69%) only felt 'somewhat confident' or 'not confident at all' in recognizing signs of anxiety and depression, and almost all (92%) had no formal mental health training. Supervisors supported student mental health during WIL by creating a sense of belonging for students within the workplace, using appropriate supervisory styles which align with mentoring and coaching techniques, and adopting culturally responsive supervision. Potential strategies identified to support workplace supervisors in their role were mental health first aid and resilience training.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Dietetics, Internship Programs, Clinical Teaching (Health Professions), Work Experience Programs, Supervisors, Mental Health, College Graduates, Supervisory Training, Culturally Relevant Education, Supervisor Qualifications, Supervisor Supervisee Relationship
New Zealand Association for Cooperative Education. University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Tel: +64-7-838-4892; e-mail: editor@ijwil.org; Web site: https://www.ijwil.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A