Linguistic predictors of the mentor-mentee relationship in a peer support program for adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT

iPeer2Peer is an online peer mentoring program for adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease. Linguistic synchrony between mentors and mentees has been proposed to facilitate the development of positive mentoring relationships. We used secondary data analysis to assess linguistic synchrony in the first sessions of iPeer2Peer (N = 56) and how this related to program outcomes. The synchronous use of “I,” discussion of friendships, focus on future and asynchronous discussion of leisure were significant predictors of program outcomes. This highlights the utility of assessing linguistic synchrony in the context of peer mentorship programs to inform how mentors approach their contributions in such programs.

Disclosure statement

Dr. Ahola Kohut co-owns the copyright/license for iPeer2Peer.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Crohn's and Colitis Canada Grant in Aid.