Applied Implications and Directions for Future Research26
Analysis28
Gifted youth or population at risk?29
Characteristics of Gifted Youth31
Mentoring Programs for Gifted Youth32
The Executive Internship Program33
The Laboratory Experience Program37
University-Based Summer Programs38
Potential Risk Factors40
The Risks of "Drive-by" Mentoring46
The Problem of Social Distance47
Characteristics of Ideal Mentors48
Program Structure48
Research about Effectiveness54
Program Evaluation55
Roadblocks to Success56
African American Programming Issues57
Barriers to Success59
Chapter Three: Methodology61
Measures62
Mentoring62
Covariates62
References65
Appendix72
TABLE 1--Mentoring as Predictor of Educational and Work Outcomes72
TABLE 2--Mentoring as Predictor of Problem Behavior Outcomes73
TABLE 3--Mentoring as Predictor of Psychological Well-Being Outcomes74
TABLE 4--Mentoring as Predictor of Physical Health Outcomes75
Chapter One: Introduction
Introduction
We used nationally representative data to examine the impact of natural (or informal) mentoring relationships on health-related outcomes among older adolescents and young adults. We examined outcomes from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health as a function of whether or not respondents reported a mentoring relationship. Logistic regression was used with control for demographic variables, previous level of functioning, and individual and environmental risk.
Respondents who reported a mentoring relationship were more likely to exhibit favorable outcomes relating to education/work (completing high school, college attendance, working = 10 hours a week), reduced problem behavior (gang membership, hurting others in physical fights, risk taking), psychological well-being (heightened self-esteem, life satisfaction), and health (physical activity level, birth control use). However, effects of exposure to individual and environmental risk factors generally were larger in magnitude than protective effects associated with mentoring.
These findings suggest a broad and multifaceted impact of mentoring relationships on adolescent health. However, mentoring relationships alone are not enough to meet the needs of at-risk population at risks and therefore should be incorporated into more comprehensive interventions. (Am J Public Health. 2005; 95:518-524.)
Recently, mentoring of population at risk has received a great deal of attention in terms of both public awareness and government initiatives. ( n1, 2) Mentoring relationships may foster positive development and health among young people through several mechanisms, including the provision of social support, role modeling, opportunities to develop new skills, and advocacy.( n3-n6) Nonparent adults who function as mentors may serve as crucial educators and support figures, promoting learning and competence, providing exposure to positive social norms, increasing a sense of efficacy and mattering, and helping population at risk realize their full potential.( n3, n5, n6) Formal mentoring programs currently are very popular; the National Mentoring Database, for example, lists more than 4500 organizations that support mentoring activities.( n7)
A recent meta-analysis found evidence of a significant but small overall positive effect of mentoring programs on the emotional, behavioral, and educational functioning of participating population at risk (Cohen d=.14),( n8) Other recent reviews of the literature have reached similar conclusions.( n9, n10) Many population at risk, however, experience natural mentoring relationships outside of formal programs with persons such as extended family members, neighbors, teachers, and coaches.( n11-n20) In a recent survey of a nationally ...