An integrative review was used to examine the effects of being a tutor versus not being a tutor. The matrix method was used to guide the research process, to identify articles that met the inclusion criteria, and to reduce data into common topics of peer tutoring. The results of the integrative review yielded 20 articles and suggested that students in the position to assist others are more confident in communicating in groups and have higher knowledge in the subject they help with than their fellow peers. The literature showed that students in the position to assist others have defined personal and professional standards and leadership skills. However, there is little research on the benefits of being a tutor when compared with the benefits tutees obtain from coming to tutoring sessions. More research is needed to examine the effects of being a tutor. More specifically, there are no studies where the skills of nursing student tutors are compared with nursing student non-tutors. In this study, the researcher created a survey to evaluate nursing student tutors and non-tutors, their communication and leadership skills, as well as their personal and professional growth. Focus groups were created to provide tutors a means of discussing the personal and professional impact that tutoring has had on them. The study results indicated that tutors have decreased nervousness in public speaking, have higher confidence in their communication skills, share their life experiences to help others more often, and readily reach out to instructors and other tutors for assistance.

This multi-article dissertation explores the potential for the undergraduate peer mentoring experience to contribute to transformative learning for those who serve in peer mentoring or peer leadership roles. While past research has established that peer mentors experience a variety of positive outcomes associated with their leadership experience, there are gaps in the literature with regard to how the peer mentor experience can be intentionally designed as a high-impact practice for student leaders. Through three qualitative studies, as well as a comprehensive literature review, this dissertation addresses this gap by exploring what peer mentors report learning through their mentoring experiences (Article #1), the types of experiences that contribute to transformative learning (Articles #2 and #3), and how transformative learning can be facilitated through a particular designed training intervention (Article #4). Based on the findings of these four studies, an emerging framework is proposed to describe the characteristics of high-impact and transformative PM learning environments. This framework suggests that transformative PM learning is most likely when (a) the learning of PMs themselves is an explicit objective of the program or initiative, (b) PMs are engaged in purposeful routines and structured practices that facilitate learning, (c) PMs are exposed to unfamiliar and challenging situations in their mentoring practice, (d) theoretical and conceptual understandings (e.g., selected readings) are integrated into PM development; (e) PMs are provided with frequent and structured opportunities for reflection on their experiences, and (f) PMs are part of a supportive mentoring community. Recommendations for the design of high-quality PM learning environments are made based on the elements of this framework. Additionally, directions for future research on peer mentoring as a high-impact practice are made.

The aim of the presented work is to present problematic aspects of the work of peer consultants in the field of mental health care, i.e., in psychiatric hospitals, social services and leisure clubs. The theoretical part will present the context from which the position grows and comes- the concept of mental illness and stigmatization of mental illness, as well as the project of deinstituonalization of the mental health care system. The theoretical part of the work is then concluded with an introduction to the position of the peer consultant. In the practical part I deal with the problematic aspects themselves by the means of semi-structured interviews. Aspects such as the scope of work of the peer consultant, experience with colleagues and clients, requirements for the position, the topic of the future and the work procedure and finally also the issue of the legislative anchoring of this position. Key words: mental illness, stigmatization, peer support, peer mentor, social works, psychiatric care, Centre for mental health care development, deinstitutionalisation