Investigation of Characteristics of Mentoring Relationships and Positive Youth Outcomes

This research examined associations among mentoring relationship characteristics (frequency of contact, engaging in recreational activities, and interpersonal discussions), relationship closeness, and youth outcomes (perceived benefits, future orientation, and GPA). The mediating role of relationship closeness on positive youth outcomes was also examined. The mentoring relationships were formed within My Sister's Circle (MSC), a community-based mentoring program for pre-adolescent and adolescent girls. The girls in MSC ranged in age from 11-16 years, and length of mentoring relationship varied from less than 6 months to 5 years. Adult mentors (N = 41) completed surveys each month during the 9-month study period; the surveys assessed frequency of contact and relationship content (engaging in recreational activities and interpersonal discussions). The girls (N=42) completed surveys in September 2005 and June 2006; these surveys assessed relationship closeness, perceived benefits of the relationship, and future orientation. School records were used to calculate GPA. Hierarchical regression analyses, using cross-source (mentor reported relationship characteristics, youth outcome) data were conducted in order to examine the hypothesized associations. In addition to quantitative data, qualitative data were collected; 6 mentor/youth pairs were interviewed to examine the mentor/youth relationship processes in more depth. Results provided limited support for relationship characteristics predicting positive youth outcomes. The strongest support was found for frequency of contact predicting perceived benefits for youth. Frequency of contact, however, was not related to future orientation or GPA. Relationship content (recreational activity, interpersonal discussion) was not associated with youth outcomes. Results provided only marginal support for the hypothesized mediating role of relationship closeness in positive youth outcomes. Qualitative findings complemented survey data results in that youth perceived the mentoring relationship to be positive and noted several benefits of the relationship. Mentors and youth discussed the various types of support they believed to be associated with relationship benefits. Implications for future theory development, research and practice are examined