Examining the Subjective Perceptions, Meanings, and Experiences of Peer Mentoring in an Operational Women's Prison

Abstract

Abstract
Within a criminal justice framework, this study offers a qualitative account of peer mentoring in a specific context. Through examining the subjective perceptions, meanings, and experiences of peer mentoring in an operational women's prison in England and Wales, this study advances understanding of peer mentoring across three core areas of study. It considers how prisoners and staff conceptualise and comprehend peer mentoring, analyses the effects of serving as a peer mentor upon the in-prison experiences of women, and assesses the broader implications of peer mentoring upon prison governance, and the continuity of the peer mentor role. The aim is to offer a more comprehensive account of peer mentoring in consideration of how its underlying principles interrelate with experiences of prison, and the utilisation of peer mentoring by the prison. The study adopted a gendered approach, prioritising the perceptions and experiences of female peer mentors. Research interviews and focus groups were conducted at HMP Holloway prior to its closure in 2016.
Twenty seven interviews and four focus groups were conducted with peer mentors, mentees, prison officers, and project workers. The overall research findings identified core underpinning principles of peer mentoring for women in prison, including sameness and authenticity, boundaries, and mutual aid. These were highlighted by participants as the key ingredients of peer mentoring for women in prison. Through examining the underpinning principles of peer mentoring it was identified that peer mentors accrue several instrumental gains from mentoring, which the current research study examined as they pertained to women's experiences of incarceration. The research identified that peer mentoring had a positive psychological impact on mentors by normalising the prison experience, self-esteem and empowerment, and contributing to identity repair, however, there was some role conflict, and the emotional impact of peer mentoring is acknowledged. Peer mentoring can also be seen to extend a desistance function, and it serves as a means to achieve broader correctional objectives, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of peer mentoring in prison. The research identified that peer mentors are leveraged by the prison to support operational functioning. There was also continuity to peer mentoring insofar as mentors were motivated to continue to work within advice and guidance after release, however, there is an inherent fragility to this role built upon the ex-offender status of mentors. The conclusion offers an analytical, critical, and positive take on peer mentoring with recommendations to recognise and leverage the unique strengths and skills that peer mentors possess and offer further support and resources for peer mentors.

Date of Award	19 Aug 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Portsmouth
Supervisor	Dennis Gough (Supervisor) & Aaron Pycroft (Supervisor)