Natural mentors: An overlooked resource in the social networks of young, African American mothers

Abstract

Studied the influence of natural mentors (i.e., supportive nonparent/nonpeer support figures) on the psychological adjustment of 129 young, African American mothers. Women with mentors reported lower levels of depression than those without mentors. In addition, both the amount of network support (excluding mentor support) utilized by women with mentors and their satisfaction with this support were negatively related to depression; those who utilized more support and were more satisfied with this support were less depressed. Problems with network members did not predict depression in this group. For women without mentors, both the amount of network support and satisfaction with this support were unrelated to depression. Moreover, those who reported greater problems in relationships from which they received intangible support, reported higher levels of depression. Mentors may help young mothers to make better use of their networks and serve as a buffer against the negative effects of relationship problems.

Informal mentoring and young adult employment

“…These non-parental adults have received a number of labels, such as natural mentors, very important people (VIPs), role models, and significant others (Bö, 1989;Bryant and Zimmerman, 2003;Greenberger, Chen, and Beam, 1998;Rhodes, Ebert, and Fischer, 1992), but all are adults that adolescents perceive to be influential. Regardless of the moniker, informal mentoring generally provides benefits that resemble those of formal mentoring programs, decreasing problem behaviors and improving psychological well-being, academic performance, and relationships with others (Bryant and Zimmerman, 2003;Greenberger, Chen, and Beam, 1998;Klaw, Rhodes, and Fitzgerald, 2003;Rhodes, Contreras, and Mangelsdorf, 1994;Rhodes, Ebert, and Fischer, 1992;Zimmerman, Bingenheimer, and Notaro, 2002).…”

“…Those who identify important non-parental adults in their lives tend to report better psychological well-being, more rewarding relationships with others, academic success, and fewer problem behaviors than their peers (Bryant and Zimmerman, 2003;Greenberger, Chen, and Beam, 1998;Klaw, Rhodes, and Fitzgerald, 2003;Rhodes, Contreras, and Mangelsdorf, 1994;Rhodes, Ebert, and Fischer, 1992;Zimmerman, Bingenheimer, and Notaro, 2002).…”

Nonkin Natural Mentors in the Lives of Older Youths in Foster Care

“…3 Scholars have articulated that natural mentors are less common today because of shifts in society; 4 however, youths continue to mention supportive adults as critical to their success. The past decade has seen increased research on the nature of mentoring relationships [5][6][7][8] and the association between these relationships and outcomes among teenage mothers 9,10 and urban adolescents. 11,12 Research reports and federal legislation continue to recommend mentoring or lifelong connections with caring adults for older youths in foster care (OYFC); [13][14][15] however, there has been no systematic research published in this area.…”

Perception de l'importance des personnes significatives chez des adolescents québécois issus ou non de l'immigration selon la durée de vie dans le milieu culturel d'accueil et le genre /

“…Claes ( (Claes, 2003;Cloutier & Drapeau, 2008;Cloutier & al., 1994;Rhodes & al., 1992;Yourniss & Smollar, 1985) qui expliquent que les garçons et les filles ont des rapports différents avec les personnes de leur réseau social.…”

“…Quant aux amis de même genre et de genre opposé, dans les cultures non occidentales, ils occupent, eux aussi, une place importante (Claes, 1998). En ce qui concerne les adultes de confiance autres que les parents, plusieurs chercheurs soutiennent qu'ils jouent un rôle vital dans le développement des adolescents en général (Blechman, 1992;Dondero, 1997;Hamilton & Darling, 1996;Mech, Pryde, & Rycraft, 1995;Rhodes, Contreras & Mangelsdorf, 1994;Rhodes, Ebert & Fischer, 1992). Selon Rishel, Sales et Koeske (2005), la relation entre les adolescents immigrants et les adultes de confiance autre que les parents peut constituer un facteur de protection dans la vie du jeune.…”