The SHINE (Supporting Her In Navigating exercise) program: an experimental study examining mentorship as an exercise promotion tool for undergraduates

Introduction: Many undergraduate women (UW) engaged in less exercise during the pandemic due to low support and confidence. This 6-week peer-mentorship program (PMP), based on Self-Determination Theory, tested whether mentor pairing improved motivation, well-being, and exercise engagement. Method: Canadian UW were randomized to intervention or control groups. All received a campus tour, exercise guide, and encouragement to exercise triweekly; trained student mentors provided intervention participant support. Validated surveys measured psychological outcomes and involvement experiences were assessed qualitatively. Results: Data for 26 UW were analyzed. Interaction effects were observed for the PMP autonomy and competence, while relatedness, external, identified, and integrated regulation, depression, anxiety, and stress improved across time. Qualitatively, between-group differences were observed as participants with mentors valued their support, while those without expressed a desire for more peer mentorship. Conclusion: The PMP enhanced comfort and skills, key drivers of motivation, underscoring the importance of empowering participants to sustain engagement.