Beazley, Blanche E. (2016) The role of intergenerational mentoring in ageing well: A regional Australian study. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Global population ageing necessitates a focus on the psychological well-being of older people. Older people face significant risk factors to their mental well-being, including natural life transitions and losses, social isolation, illness, disability, and chronic pain. Active ageing framework advocates that social participation is key in maintaining psychological health as individuals age. Self-determination theory explains that autonomy, relatedness, and competence are innate psychological needs, and are met through the social environment. The intergenerational mentoring program, embedded within Toowoomba Flexi School, serves to provide leadership and support to youth, and also benefits the mentors through social contribution and participation. This study used qualitative research to examine mentors’ psychological experiences in relation to healthy ageing and relatedness in the intergenerational mentoring program. Thematic analysis of data from semi-structured interviews with 13 participants identified three key themes regarding the experiences of mentors at Toowoomba Flexi School: mentoring relationships, rewards of mentoring, and overcoming challenges of mentoring. The findings support the framework for active ageing and self-determination theory. The findings of the current study will contribute knowledge to the existing literature regarding the lived experiences of older men and women who mentor disenfranchised youth. Outcomes from this research will also inform the development and rollout of mentoring programs in regional Australia and the broader community.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Lorelle Burton |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Aug 2025 01:06 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Aug 2025 01:06 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | older adults ; healthy ageing ; intergenerational mentoring ; regional Australia ; social participation ; active ageing ; self-determination theory |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52150 |
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