Abstract
The present article describes three one-year cycles of an evaluation study of a mentoring program for adolescents with juvenile
diabetes. The aim of the program is to increase the adolescent’s cooperation and compliance with the demands of treatment.
The study focuses on an attempt to understand the nature of the relationship formed between the adolescents and their mentors,
from their perspective and feelings how this relationship helped them to cope with the numerous challenges posed by diabetes.
The findings reveal three themes: main mentor–mentee relationship patterns, the central importance of the mentee’s observation
of the mentor’s behavior, and the emotional effects of the encounter with the mentor. The discussion of the findings engages
in understanding the dynamic of mentor–mentee relationships in the social-emotional world of adolescents with juvenile diabetes,
and the relevance of these understandings for providing professional assistance.
diabetes. The aim of the program is to increase the adolescent’s cooperation and compliance with the demands of treatment.
The study focuses on an attempt to understand the nature of the relationship formed between the adolescents and their mentors,
from their perspective and feelings how this relationship helped them to cope with the numerous challenges posed by diabetes.
The findings reveal three themes: main mentor–mentee relationship patterns, the central importance of the mentee’s observation
of the mentor’s behavior, and the emotional effects of the encounter with the mentor. The discussion of the findings engages
in understanding the dynamic of mentor–mentee relationships in the social-emotional world of adolescents with juvenile diabetes,
and the relevance of these understandings for providing professional assistance.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-21
- DOI 10.1007/s10560-012-0273-1
- Authors
- Zion Barnetz, Human Services, Max Stern Academic College of Emek Yezreel, Emek Yezreel, Israel
- Rena Feigin, Tel Aviv University, Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Journal Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2797
- Print ISSN 0738-0151