Table 1 Factor scores and Cronbach’s alphas (α) of MERIT survey items

19.4%

.75

M = 4.3 (SD = .55)

Helping my mentees develop into their own individual person is my reason to mentor.

Helping my mentees optimize their wellbeing is my reason to mentor.

Helping my mentees become better learners is my reason to mentor.

Helping my mentees envision what kind of professional they want to be in the future is my reason to mentor.

The personal development of my mentee is extremely important for me as mentor.

9.3%

.56

M = 3.7 (SD = .58)

I provide my mentees with insights into how the academic world works.

I advise my mentees what they should do based on my own experiences

If my mentees want feedback on how they are doing, they should ask me for it.

I want my mentees to adhere to my professional norms.

I am a sort of “help desk” for my students, providing them with information or referring them to resources.

6.6%

.54

M = 3.7 (SD = .71)

It is my mentees’ own responsibility to ask me for advice if they have any questions

I cannot solve problems for my mentees, they have to do that themselves.

There is a limit to the amount of support I am prepared to give to my mentees.

8.0%

.42

M = 3.8 (SD = .74)

I help my mentees gain better understanding of the results of their actions.

I am my mentees’ trusted person within the university.

Having access to progress indicators of my mentee is critical for me as mentor.

If my mentees fail to meet expected performance standards, I will let them know.