The Effects of Mentoring Programs on Mental Health in Undergraduate Nursing Students: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Abstract AIM The aim of this study was to examine the effects of mentoring programs on undergraduate nursing students’ mental health. BACKGROUND The study of nursing has been cited as stressful, with negative effects on academic and physical well-being and mental health in nursing students. METHOD An integrative review of the literature using the method of Whittemore and Knafl was performed on mentoring programs designed to mitigate student stress. Electronic databases searched included CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Embase, ERIC, and Scopus. RESULTS The eight studies included in this review suggest that mentoring has positive impacts on nursing students’ mental health, reducing stress and anxiety and enhancing well-being and sense of belonging. CONCLUSION Mentoring programs have positive effects on mental health outcomes in undergraduate nursing students. Implementation of structured programs at the start of undergraduate studies can facilitate increased mental and physical well-being and decrease stress and anxiety.