Two years and counting: The dynamics of long-term youth mentoring and association with parent and peer relationships

The current study seeks to explore the reciprocal associations between mentor-mentee relationship strength and relationships with parents and peers across 2 years of mentoring. It is a secondary analysis of data collected by a national mentoring organization from youth (N = 1368; M age = 11.5 years; 59% female; White [n = 629], 30% Black [n = 410], 16% Hispanic [n = 219], and 8% multiracial or other racial identities [n = 110]) participating at program sites across a Midwestern state. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models test associations and control for between-person variability. No significant cross-lag associations were observed between mentoring relationship strength and relationships with parents (βs = .03 to 19, p > .05) or peers (β = -.25 to .09, p > .5) over 2 years of mentoring. However, youth reports of dynamic changes within mentoring relationships were observed, with effects becoming stronger over time (β = .22, p < .05). Findings suggest that long-term mentoring relationships may not directly influence parent or peer relationships alone but demonstrate meaningful growth over multiyear periods. Results underscore the potential of mentoring relationships to dynamically grow as an end unto themselves.