Reasons for Premature Closure of a Mentoring Relationship: A Qualitative Study of Mentoring Youth With a Visual Impairment

Abstract

Preventing mentor-mentee relationships from ending prematurely is important because an early or unanticipated closure could lead to negative youth outcomes. In this study, the reasons for premature closure of a community-based mentoring program for youth with a visual impairment (VI) are studied. Data from 44 prematurely ended mentor-mentee pairs were analyzed; all mentees (mean age = 18.5, SD = 1.92) and 23 of the mentors had VI. Logbook data with two types of transcribed semi-structured interviews were thematically coded line-by-line. Frequencies of coded responses provided insight into the most frequently reported reasons and the most frequently reported problems. Chi-square analyses were conducted to study differences between matches in the two conditions (i.e., matches containing mentors with or without VI). Regardless of the condition, premature closure was primarily initiated by mentees, and the most common cause was reported to be due to deficiencies in mentors’ relationship skills. Matches with a mentor with VI experienced more problems within one domain of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) model. These results show that additional pre-match mentor and supplementary mentee training are needed to increase relationship success in mentoring programs serving youth with VI.

Dropping out of an online mentoring program for girls in STEM: A longitudinal study on the dynamically changing risk for premature match closure

“…Regarding mentee−mentor matching, dyads with shared racial identity show a reduced risk for premature match closure . In contrast, research found an increased rate of premature match closure for dyads with a similar disability (i.e., visual impairment) (Heppe et al, 2019(Heppe et al, , 2021. Two studies (Kupersmidt et al, 2017a;Stelter et al, 2018) (DeWit et al, 2016).…”

“…However, preventing premature match closure requires a comprehensive understanding of the reasons and underlying mechanisms leading to this phenomenon. | 3123 Heppe et al, 2019Heppe et al, , 2021Herrera et al, 2013;Kupersmidt et al, 2017aKupersmidt et al, ,2017bRaposa et al, 2016;Schwartz et al, 2011;Shlafer et al, 2009;Spencer et al, 2017Spencer et al, , 2018Spencer et al, , 2020Stelter et al, 2018). In these studies, either participants were surveyed or interviewed after or at the time of premature match closure about their experiences and their understanding of the reasons for mentoring termination, or mentoring programs were compared on various program characteristics to identify risk factors for premature match closure.…”

“…Two studies (Kupersmidt et al, 2017a;Stelter et al, 2018) (DeWit et al, 2016). Furthermore, training opportunities for mentors, mentees and mentees' parents (Heppe et al, 2021;Kupersmidt et al, 2017aKupersmidt et al, , 2017bSpencer et al, 2020) as well as ongoing intense and professional support, supervision and mediation by staff members (Kupersmidt et al, 2017b;Spencer et al, 2020) has been found to be crucial for preventing premature match closure.…”

“…To maximize positive effects of mentoring and avoid negative effects of premature match closure, a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying reasons and mechanisms is needed. Previous research has focused on identifying reasons and risk factors for premature match closure retrospectively, when match closure has already occurred (DeWit et al, 2016; Grossman et al, 2012; Grossman & Rhodes, 2002; Heppe et al, 2019, 2021; Herrera et al, 2013; Keller & Spencer, 2018; Kupersmidt et al, 2017a, 2017b; Lyons & Edwards, 2022; McQuillin & Lyons, 2021; Raposa et al, 2016; Schwartz et al, 2011; Shlafer et al, 2009; Spencer, 2007; Spencer et al, 2017, 2018, 2020; Stelter et al, 2018). However, as dropping out of a mentoring program is not an abrupt event but rather a long‐term process, a longitudinal analysis of the dynamics of a mentoring relationship is needed to better understand the dynamic development and cumulation of risk factors that lead to premature match closure.…”

“…Previous research has identified reasons and risk factors for premature match closure at the participant, environment, and program levels (DeWit et al, 2016; Grossman & Rhodes, 2002; Grossman et al, 2012; Heppe et al, 2019, 2021; Herrera et al, 2013; Keller & Spencer, 2018; Kupersmidt et al, 2017a,2017b; Lyons & Edwards, 2022; McQuillin & Lyons, 2021; Raposa et al, 2016; Schwartz et al, 2011; Shlafer et al, 2009; Spencer et al, 2017, 2018, 2020; Spencer, 2007; Stelter et al, 2018). In these studies, either participants were surveyed or interviewed after or at the time of premature match closure about their experiences and their understanding of the reasons for mentoring termination, or mentoring programs were compared on various program characteristics to identify risk factors for premature match closure.…”