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Characteristics of mentoring relationships
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
|April 11, 2015
Summary
Mentoring relationships can be purpose-driven or friendship-based. Successful mentoring focuses on personal connection over program goals for at-risk youth.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Youth Development Programs
Background:
- Mentoring programs are popular for at-risk youth.
- Positive outcomes are documented, but processes are under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively explore relationship processes in Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Africa.
- To understand the dynamics within mentoring relationships.
Main Methods:
- Study involved mentors and youth in eight relationships.
- Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using a narrative method.
Main Results:
- Relationships were categorized as purpose-driven (help-focused) or friendship-based.
- These aligned with previously identified negative and positive relationship qualities.
- Underlying relationship constructions interacted with overt qualities.
Conclusions:
- Program and social context significantly influence mentoring relationships.
- Partners moving beyond program goals to form personal connections is crucial.
- Relationship value, not just program objectives, fosters success.
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