Gender Dynamics in the Identification Process of Mentoring Relationships: An Empirical Investigation

This study brings a novel dimension to mentoring theory by exploring the relatively unexamined aspect of cross-gender infatuation between mentors and mentees. At the heart of the mentoring relationship, according to this study, lies personal identification, which is characterized by feelings of connectedness, belonging, and a strong desire to forge a relationship. To examine into this topic, the study employed phenomenological methods, conducting thorough interviews with a balanced group of 20 participants. This group included five male mentors, five male mentees, five female mentors, and five female mentees. The data gathered from these interviews were meticulously analyzed using first and second cycle coding techniques, and the findings are articulated through a process model. Drawing on psychoanalytic theory, the study posits that gender differences play a crucial role in the process of personal identification within mentoring relationships. It examines situations where infatuation, driven by sexual desires, arises in one or both parties involved. The study discusses how societal gender norms often compel individuals to suppress these intimate desires. This suppression and avoidance can lead to sexual repression, manifesting as disruptive behavior and hindering the development of personal identification. Consequently, this dynamic adversely affects the caregiving aspect of the mentor-mentee relationship. The findings of this study enrich mentoring theory by shedding light on the impact of gender roles in the identification process within mentorship relationships. It highlights the complex interplay of personal emotions and societal norms in mentoring dynamics, offering a deeper understanding of the factors that influence these relationships.