Abstract
The influence of match length and re-matching on the effectiveness of school-based mentoring was studied in the context of
a national, randomized study of 1,139 youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs. The sample included youth in grades four
through nine from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. At the end of the year, youth in intact relationships showed significant
academic improvement, while youth in matches that terminated prematurely showed no impact. Those who were re-matched after
terminations showed negative impacts. Youth, mentor, and program characteristics associated with having an intact match were
examined. Youth with high levels of baseline stress and those matched with college student mentors were likely to be in matches
that terminated prematurely, while rejection-sensitive youth and mentors who had previous mentoring experience were more likely
to be in intact relationships. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
a national, randomized study of 1,139 youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs. The sample included youth in grades four
through nine from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. At the end of the year, youth in intact relationships showed significant
academic improvement, while youth in matches that terminated prematurely showed no impact. Those who were re-matched after
terminations showed negative impacts. Youth, mentor, and program characteristics associated with having an intact match were
examined. Youth with high levels of baseline stress and those matched with college student mentors were likely to be in matches
that terminated prematurely, while rejection-sensitive youth and mentors who had previous mentoring experience were more likely
to be in intact relationships. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10464-011-9435-0
- Authors
- Jean B. Grossman, Public/Private Ventures, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Christian S. Chan, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, USA
- Sarah E. O. Schwartz, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, USA
- Jean E. Rhodes, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, USA
- Journal American Journal of Community Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2770
- Print ISSN 0091-0562