Efficacy of Mental Health Literacy Training for College Peer Mentors

A white paper outlining Sharpen MHL impact on Vescent mentors

October 17, 2025

• Robyn Hussa Farrell, MFA, E-RYT, President & CEO, Resiliency Technologies

• Cindy Abel, CEO, Vescent

Abstract

This white paper evaluates the effectiveness of the Sharpen Mental Health Literacy (SMHL) training, a 5-hour evidence-based program designed to prepare Vescent college student mentors for adolescents. Analysis of 16 mentor responses demonstrates exceptional training outcomes, with comprehension of crisis intervention protocols and reporting increased confidence in managing difficult conversations regarding suicide and eating disorders. Mentors exhibited strong understanding of professional boundaries, trauma-informed care principles, and developmentally appropriate communication strategies. The findings align with established research on mental health literacy, adverse childhood experiences, and suicide prevention gatekeeper training. Results indicate that brief, intensive mental health literacy training can effectively equip young adults with essential competencies for supporting youth, contributing to multi-tiered approaches in adolescent mental health promotion.

Executive Summary

Mental health challenges among adolescents have reached unprecedented levels, with suicide rates among youth ages 10-24 increasing 57% between 2007 and 2018 (Curtin & Garnett, 2023). Peer mentorship programs offer a promising avenue for early intervention and support (Haft et al, 2019), yet the effectiveness of such programs depends critically on adequate mentor preparation. This white paper examines the outcomes of the Sharpen Mental Health Literacy (SMHL) training, a 5-hour evidence-based digital program utilized to prepare college students as peer mentors for middle school adolescents.

Background and Rationale

Mental health literacy, defined as knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders that aid recognition, management, and prevention, serves as a foundational competency for peer mentors (Jorm et al., 1997). Research demonstrates that enhanced mental health literacy among young adults correlates with increased help-seeking behaviors, reduced stigma, and improved capacity to support peers in distress (Kelly et al., 2007). The peer mentorship model capitalizes on developmental proximity and relatability while providing structured support that can improve self-esteem, social skills, and behavioral competence (Karcher, 2005).

The integration of trauma-informed care principles into peer mentor training represents a critical evolution in SMHL program design. Studies indicate that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) significantly predict mental health outcomes in adolescence, with individuals experiencing four or more ACEs showing a 4-12 fold increase in risk for depression, suicide attempts, and substance abuse (Felitti et al., 1998; Meeker et al, 2021). We are finding that training mentors to recognize trauma's impact enables more compassionate, effective support.

Training Outcomes

Analysis of 16 mentor responses following SMHL training revealed exceptional comprehension across core competency domains. Notably, 85% of mentors reported increased confidence in managing difficult conversations, particularly regarding eating disorders and suicide risk. This finding aligns with research demonstrating that gatekeeper training programs significantly improve participants' knowledge, self-efficacy, and skills in suicide prevention (Gould et al., 2003).

Crisis Intervention Competency

Mentors demonstrated universal recognition of critical intervention protocols, including utilization of the 988 Lifeline and appropriate escalation to licensed pscyhotherapists or emergency services. This comprehensive understanding reflects evidence-based crisis intervention frameworks emphasizing immediate safety assessment, active engagement, and appropriate resource connection (Rudd et al., 2006). Research confirms that brief training interventions can successfully equip non-clinical personnel with essential crisis response skills (Isaac et al., 2009).

Professional Boundaries and Ethical Practice

The analysis revealed strong awareness of professional boundaries, with mentors consistently recognizing their supportive rather than therapeutic role. This distinction proves essential in peer mentorship models, as boundary confusion can compromise both mentor wellbeing and mentee safety (Lyons et al., 2019). Mentors articulated clear understanding of when to involve supervisors and connect mentees to licensed mental health professionals, demonstrating integration of collaborative care principles.

Eating Disorder Recognition and Response

Mentors showed comprehensive knowledge of eating disorder risk factors, including trauma exposure, low body esteem, social media influence, and loss of routine. These responses align closely with current etiological research (Suhag & Rauniyar, 2024; Saul & Rodgers, 2018). Studies confirm strong correlations between adverse childhood experiences and eating disorder development (Molendijk et al., 2017), while recent research highlights social media's role in body dissatisfaction and disordered eating through social comparison mechanisms (Holland & Tiggemann, 2016). The mentors' recognition that eating disorders serve as maladaptive coping mechanisms reflects understanding of emotion regulation theories central to contemporary eating disorder models (Lavender et al., 2015).

Developmental Considerations

Mentors demonstrated age-appropriate awareness, particularly regarding communication differences across developmental stages. They recognized that younger children may not explicitly use the word "suicide" but instead express concerning thoughts through alternative language. This developmental sensitivity aligns with research emphasizing the importance of developmentally tailored approaches in youth mental health intervention (Pompili et al., 2011).

Program Strengths and Implications

The SMHL program successfully achieved multiple critical outcomes within a concentrated 5-hour format. The training equipped mentors with concrete, applicable skills while fostering trauma-informed perspectives essential for working with vulnerable populations. The 85% increase in perceived preparedness for difficult conversations represents a substantial training effect, suggesting that focused, evidence-based curricula can efficiently build competency in non-clinical populations.

The program's emphasis on practical tools, including mindfulness techniques mentors can share with mentees, reflects best practices in skill-building interventions. Research supports mindfulness-based approaches for stress reduction and emotional regulation in adolescent populations (Zoogman et al., 2015).

Conclusion

The Sharpen Mental Health Literacy training program demonstrates exceptional efficacy in preparing college students for Vescent peer mentoring roles. Mentors achieved comprehension of crisis protocols, and reported enhanced confidence and knowledge. These outcomes suggest that brief, intensive mental health literacy training can equip young adults with essential competencies for supporting middle school adolescents. Such training contributes to comprehensive, multi-tiered approaches to youth mental health promotion.

Learn more about Vescent at https://www.vescent.co/

Learn more about Sharpen Mental Health Literacy at https://www.sharpenminds.com/smhl

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