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Big Brothers: impact on Little Brothers' self-concepts and behaviors
1Department of Educational Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman 73019-0260, USA.
Insights
Mentorship programs like Big Brothers/Big Sisters significantly boost self-concept in young boys. While positive impacts on behavior were not significant, the study highlights improved self-esteem for mentored youth.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Child Development
Background:
- The Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America program provides adult volunteer mentors to children from single-parent households.
- Mentors serve as positive role models and friends, aiming to positively influence the child's development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a Big Brother mentor on a Little Brother's self-concept and behavior.
- To compare outcomes for boys matched with a mentor versus those on a waiting list.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 45 boys aged 7-15, divided into a matched group (n=23) and an unmatched waiting list group (n=22).
- Participants completed a self-concept measure, and mothers reported on their child's behavior using a checklist.
Main Results:
- Boys with a Big Brother reported significantly higher self-concept scores compared to the unmatched group.
- No significant differences in behavior were found between the mentored and unmatched groups.
Conclusions:
- Participation in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program appears to positively influence boys' self-concept.
- Further research is suggested to explore behavioral outcomes and program efficacy.
Abstract:
The impact a Big Brother has on a Little Brother's self-concept and behavior was examined for 45 boys ages 7 to 15. The Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America is a United Way agency dedicated to supplying children from single-parent homes with an adult volunteer of the same sex. The adult serves as a friend and role model for the child. Boys who were matched (n = 23) with a Big Brother were compared to boys who were unmatched (n = 22) but were on a waiting list to receive a Big Brother. All boys completed a self-concept measure, and their mothers completed a checklist regarding the behavior of her child. Results indicated that boys who had a Big Brother reported significantly higher self-concepts than did those who were unmatched. Scores on the behavioral instrument did not yield significant differences between groups. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.