Does the role of personal academic tutor have an impact on staff wellbeing?

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the experience of acting as a personal academic tutor (PAT) at a medium sized University in the West Midlands. The researchers aimed to establish the robustness of the PAT system, with a focus on wellbeing of both staff and students. This research took place within the context of growing concerns for student and staff wellbeing. A thematic analysis (n) 26 full time employees with at least 1-year PAT experience identified 3 key themes; self, others/ systems and resilience. Subordinate themes within each include; Burden, self as context, mental health, resilience, boundaries, deployment, experience systems and support. The researchers then re-examined the thematic data through the lens of Transactional Analysis. Karpmans’ (1968, 40-42) drama triangle became evident in the development within the PAT student relationship and its incumbent complexity. The effects on staff wellbeing were discussed and found to have both positive and negative consequences. As part of future PAT training the researchers would suggest using the drama triangle for staff to reflect honestly on current positions in their PAT relationships. This should present possibilities in each relationship of movement towards the winner's triangle and reduce the emotional burden of the PAT while increasing student self-efficacy.

KEYWORDS:

• Personal academic tutoring
• thematic analysis
• transactional analysis
• wellbeing
• resilience

Acknowledgments

In memory of Dr Paul Castle, Senior Lecturer, School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester. Paul provided much inspiration for this research, prior to his death.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Author contributions

BW contributed to conception and design of the study. JA, DG and BW organised the literature review, participants interviews and data analysis. JA, DG and BW wrote the first draft of the manuscript. JA, DG and BW wrote sections of the manuscript. All authors contributed to manuscript revision, read, and approved the submitted version.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jo Augustus

Jo Augustus is a Principal Lecturer and mental health specialist at the University of Cumbria, in the Centre of Excellence in Paramedic Practice. She specialises in quality, teaching and learning, to enhance student experience. Her research interests focus on attitudes specific to mental health.

Dawn Goodall

Dawn Goodall Is a Sociologist who works across a variety of different courses across the University to support the continued development of Learning. She teaches primarily on Foundation Degrees and encourage students to consider some of the theoretical underpinnings of work practice and written assessments.

Briony Williams

Briony Williams is an occupational therapist, her main area of clinical experience has been in community mental health and substance misuse services across the UK. She has been an educator since 1999 and held a number of roles including lead for mental health strategy.