Role models, ethnic identity, and health-risk behaviors in urban adolescents

The assumption that role models or mentors constructively influence adolescent psychological functioning has prompted societal investment in mentoring programs. However, there has been little empirical evaluation of the relationship between role model or mentor characteristics and health behaviors.

To describe role model selection in urban adolescents and examine the relationships between role model characteristics, psychosocial functioning, and health-risk behaviors.

Cross-sectional survey.

A population-based, multiethnic sample of Los Angeles County adolescents aged 12 to 17 years was generated from a 3-stage, area-probability sampling frame. Of 877 adolescents identified, 749 are included in this analysis.

In-person, in-home interviews were conducted.

Substance use, academic performance, and self-perception (measures of ethnic identify and self-esteem). Ethnic identity was measured by an adaptation of a scale developed by Phinney (J Adolesc Res. 1992;7:156-176) to assess commonalities across ethnic groups.

Fifty-six percent of adolescents identified a role model. Higher levels of ethnic identity were associated with moving from identifying no role model to identifying a figure primarily available through the media to identifying a known individual, familial or nonfamilial (P<.001). Having a role model, particularly an individual known to the adolescent, was also associated with higher self-esteem (P<.001) and higher grades (P<.05). For white males without custodial fathers, having a role model was associated with decreased substance use (P<.05).

Role model selection is associated with protective psychosocial characteristics.