Measuring the interpersonal component of the mentoring relationship: The mentorship working alliance scale – mentee version

Abstract Introduction: The interpersonal and relational dimensions of mentoring have been identified as critical components of effective mentorship. However, no scale currently exists to assess this specific aspect of the relationship. This study introduces a new instrument, the mentorship working...

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Main Authors: Jenna Griebel Rogers, Angela Byars-Winston
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
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Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S205986612500072X/type/journal_article
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author Jenna Griebel Rogers
Angela Byars-Winston
author_facet Jenna Griebel Rogers
Angela Byars-Winston
author_sort Jenna Griebel Rogers
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction: The interpersonal and relational dimensions of mentoring have been identified as critical components of effective mentorship. However, no scale currently exists to assess this specific aspect of the relationship. This study introduces a new instrument, the mentorship working alliance (MWA) – mentee version, and presents initial evidence supporting its validity in evaluating the interpersonal elements of mentoring relationships. Methods: Through a series of pilot tests and revisions, we developed a 12-item scale that assesses two dimensions of the MWA: relational quality (6 items), which captures how a mentee feels about the relationship, and relational effectiveness (6 items), which reflects the mentee’s perception of their mentor’s actions in facilitating or advancing the working relationship. To evaluate the scale’s construct validity and reliability, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency reliability analysis on a sample of 345 graduate students. Results: CFA provided evidence for the validity of the two-dimensional MWA scale, which assesses relational quality and relational effectiveness, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.96 and 0.89, respectively. All parameter estimates for individual items were significant, with standardized factor loadings ranging from 0.66 to .83. Conclusions: The MWA scale – mentee version enables researchers to assess the interpersonal dimensions of mentoring relationships, offering valuable insights into the components of effective mentorship. By introducing this scale, we pave the way for further investigation into how mentorship interventions influence the MWA, thereby enhancing the overall quality of mentoring experiences. Additionally, we offer recommendations for future studies.
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spelling doaj-art-bb9fdc8098be4c49905623bcd118f2922025-08-20T01:51:00ZengCambridge University PressJournal of Clinical and Translational Science2059-86612025-01-01910.1017/cts.2025.72Measuring the interpersonal component of the mentoring relationship: The mentorship working alliance scale – mentee versionJenna Griebel Rogers0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0363-6376Angela Byars-Winston1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2616-1748Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research, Wisconsin Center for Educational Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USAInstitute for Diversity Science, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA Abstract Introduction: The interpersonal and relational dimensions of mentoring have been identified as critical components of effective mentorship. However, no scale currently exists to assess this specific aspect of the relationship. This study introduces a new instrument, the mentorship working alliance (MWA) – mentee version, and presents initial evidence supporting its validity in evaluating the interpersonal elements of mentoring relationships. Methods: Through a series of pilot tests and revisions, we developed a 12-item scale that assesses two dimensions of the MWA: relational quality (6 items), which captures how a mentee feels about the relationship, and relational effectiveness (6 items), which reflects the mentee’s perception of their mentor’s actions in facilitating or advancing the working relationship. To evaluate the scale’s construct validity and reliability, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency reliability analysis on a sample of 345 graduate students. Results: CFA provided evidence for the validity of the two-dimensional MWA scale, which assesses relational quality and relational effectiveness, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.96 and 0.89, respectively. All parameter estimates for individual items were significant, with standardized factor loadings ranging from 0.66 to .83. Conclusions: The MWA scale – mentee version enables researchers to assess the interpersonal dimensions of mentoring relationships, offering valuable insights into the components of effective mentorship. By introducing this scale, we pave the way for further investigation into how mentorship interventions influence the MWA, thereby enhancing the overall quality of mentoring experiences. Additionally, we offer recommendations for future studies. https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S205986612500072X/type/journal_articleMeasurementworking alliancementorshipmentoring relationshipsmentee career development
spellingShingle Jenna Griebel Rogers
Angela Byars-Winston
Measuring the interpersonal component of the mentoring relationship: The mentorship working alliance scale – mentee version
Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
Measurement
working alliance
mentorship
mentoring relationships
mentee career development
title Measuring the interpersonal component of the mentoring relationship: The mentorship working alliance scale – mentee version
title_full Measuring the interpersonal component of the mentoring relationship: The mentorship working alliance scale – mentee version
title_fullStr Measuring the interpersonal component of the mentoring relationship: The mentorship working alliance scale – mentee version
title_full_unstemmed Measuring the interpersonal component of the mentoring relationship: The mentorship working alliance scale – mentee version
title_short Measuring the interpersonal component of the mentoring relationship: The mentorship working alliance scale – mentee version
title_sort measuring the interpersonal component of the mentoring relationship the mentorship working alliance scale mentee version
topic Measurement
working alliance
mentorship
mentoring relationships
mentee career development
url https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S205986612500072X/type/journal_article
work_keys_str_mv AT jennagriebelrogers measuringtheinterpersonalcomponentofthementoringrelationshipthementorshipworkingalliancescalementeeversion
AT angelabyarswinston measuringtheinterpersonalcomponentofthementoringrelationshipthementorshipworkingalliancescalementeeversion