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“[My counselor] knows stuff about me, but [my natural mentor] actually knows me”: Distinguishing characteristics of youth’s natural mentoring relationships

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  • Deutsch, Nancy L.
  • Mauer, Victoria A.
  • Johnson, Haley E.
  • Grabowska, Anita A.
  • Arbeit, Miriam R.

Abstract

Adults play important roles in the lives of adolescents, serving as role models, sources of social support, and providers of social capital. Natural mentoring relationships (NMRs), relationships between adults and youth that rise to a level of significance for the youth, have a positive impact on youth outcomes in a number of academic, socioemotional, and health related areas. Yet despite the importance of NMRs to youth development, there is little research on how NMRs develop or what factors are associated with a relationship becoming an NMR. This study uses in-depth qualitative interviews with adolescents across five time points to explore the characteristics of youth-adult relationships that develop into NMRs, and the psychosocial processes and actions which transform a naturally occurring relationship into an NMR. Findings from our study suggest that by intentionally using time and space with youth as an opportunity to cultivate safe and authentic spaces and build trust, adults can encourage the development of NMRs with adolescents.

Suggested Citation

  • Deutsch, Nancy L. & Mauer, Victoria A. & Johnson, Haley E. & Grabowska, Anita A. & Arbeit, Miriam R., 2020. "“[My counselor] knows stuff about me, but [my natural mentor] actually knows me”: Distinguishing characteristics of youth’s natural mentoring relationships," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:111:y:2020:i:c:s019074091931182x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104879
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Griffith, Aisha N. & Johnson, Haley E., 2019. "Building trust: Reflections of adults working with high-school-age youth in project-based programs," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 439-450.
    2. Ahrens, Kym R. & DuBois, David Lane & Garrison, Michelle & Spencer, Renee & Richardson, Laura P. & Lozano, Paula, 2011. "Qualitative exploration of relationships with important non-parental adults in the lives of youth in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 1012-1023, June.
    3. Munson, Michelle R. & Smalling, Susan E. & Spencer, Renée & Scott Jr., Lionel D. & Tracy, Elizabeth M., 2010. "A steady presence in the midst of change: Non-kin natural mentors in the lives of older youth exiting foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4), pages 527-535, April.
    4. Donlan, Alice E. & McDermott, Elana R. & Zaff, Jonathan F., 2017. "Building relationships between mentors and youth: Development of the TRICS model," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 385-398.
    5. DuBois, D.L. & Silverthorn, N., 2005. "Natural mentoring relationships and adolescent health: Evidence from a national study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(3), pages 518-524.
    6. Schwartz, Sarah E.O. & Kanchewa, Stella S. & Rhodes, Jean E. & Cutler, Evan & Cunningham, Jessica L., 2016. "“I didn't know you could just ask:” Empowering underrepresented college-bound students to recruit academic and career mentors," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 51-59.
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    1. Weiler, Lindsey M. & Scafe, Meredith & Keyzers, Angela M. & Spencer, Renée & Burningham, Kaleb & Cavell, Timothy A., 2024. "Parents’ attitudes toward and experiences with seeking informal mentors for their children," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    2. Heyman, Janna C. & White-Ryan, Linda & Kelly, Peggy & Farmer, G. Lawrence & Leaman, Tara Linh & Davis, Henry J., 2020. "Voices about foster care: The value of trust," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).

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