The current popularity of mentoring programs notwithstanding, questions remain about their typical effectiveness as well the conditions required for them to achieve optimal positive outcomes participating youth. In this report, we use technique meta-analysis (i.e., aggregating findings across multiple studies) address these questions. As backdrop our analysis, begin with an overview recent trends in youth practice, from prior research, and a developmental model relationships potential...

The effects and predictors of duration in youth mentor relationships were examined. study included 1,138 young, urban adolescents (Mean age 12.25), all whom applied to Big Brothers Sisters programs. randomly assigned either the treatment or control group, administered questions at baseline 18 months later Adolescents that lasted a year longer reported largest number improvements, with progressively fewer emerging among who terminated earlier. within very short period time decrements several...

A cross-domain latent growth curve model was used to examine the trajectories of change in student perceptions four critical dimensions school climate (i.e., teacher support, peer autonomy classroom, and clarity consistency rules regulations) among 1,451 early adolescents from beginning sixth through end eighth grade; effects such on rate psychological behavioral adjustment. Findings indicated that all perceived declined over 3 years middle school. Furthermore, declines each were associated...

The influence of the sleep patterns 2,259 students, aged 11 to 14 years, on trajectories depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and grades was longitudinally examined using latent growth cross-domain models. Consistent with previous research, decreased over time. Students who obtained less in sixth grade exhibited lower initial self-esteem higher levels symptoms. Similarly, students time reported heightened symptoms self-esteem. Sex student played a strong role as predictor hours sleep, grades....

The influence of perceived teacher support on trajectories depression and self-esteem in middle school was examined using multigroup latent growth cross-domain models. A longitudinal sample 2,585 students followed from the sixth through eighth grades. Students' perceptions general declined depressive symptoms increased over course school. We further found that, for both boys girls, changes teachers' reliably predicted depression. In particular, those perceiving increasing showed...

A conceptual model was tested in which the effects of mentoring relationships on adolescents' academic outcomes were hypothesized to be mediated partially through improvements parental relationships. The parameters compared with those an alternative, improved treated as outcome variable rather than a mediator. study included 959 young adolescents ( M age = 12.25 years), all whom applied Big Brothers Sisters programs. randomly assigned either treatment or control group and administered...

Abstract Anecdotal reports of the protective qualities mentoring relationships for youth are corroborated by a growing body research. What is missing, however, research on processes which mentors influence developmental outcomes. In this article, we present conceptual model process along with delineation some current what makes more effective relationships. A set recommendations future offered. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mentoring is one of the most popular social interventions in American society, with an estimated three million youth formal one-to-one relationships. Studies have revealed significant associations between involvement mentoring relationships and positive developmental outcomes. These are modest, however, depend on several intervening processes. Centrally important formation close, enduring connections mentors that foster change. Effects programs likewise typically been small magnitude, but...

Immigration to the United States presents both challenges and opportunities that affect students' academic achievement. Using a 5-year longitudinal, mixed-methods approach, we identified varying trajectories of newcomer immigrant students from Central America, China, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico. Latent class growth curve analysis revealed although some performed at high or improving levels over time, others showed diminishing performance. Multinomial logistic regressions significant...

Many studies have pointed to a troubling phenomenon known as the “immigrant paradox.” Despite an initial advantage length of residence in United States appears be associated with declining academic achievement and aspirations. To date, this line research has taken largely cross-sectional approach, comparing first, second, third generations. The Longitudinal Immigrant Student Adaptation Study (LISA) combines longitudinal, interdisciplinary, comparative approaches document patterns adaptation...

The purpose of this study was to document changes in mental and physical health among 392 low-income parents exposed Hurricane Katrina explore how hurricane-related stressors loss relate post-Katrina well-being. prevalence probable serious illness doubled, nearly half the respondents exhibited posttraumatic stress disorder. Higher levels were generally associated with worse outcomes, controlling for baseline sociodemographic measures. resources predicted fewer hurricane-associated stressors,...

Abstract Investigated the antecedents, effects, and underlying characteristics of natural mentor relationships in a sample 54 inner‐city, Latina adolescent mothers. Women with mentors reported significantly lower levels depression anxiety than those without despite similar stress exposure overall support resources. Young women were also more satisfied their resources appeared better able to cope effectively relationship problems. Finally, recalled childhood mothers as accepting. Mentor...

The influence of match length and re-matching on the effectiveness school-based mentoring was studied in context a national, randomized study 1,139 youth Big Brothers Sisters programs. sample included grades four through nine from diverse racial ethnic backgrounds. At end year, intact relationships showed significant academic improvement, while matches that terminated prematurely no impact. Those who were re-matched after terminations negative impacts. Youth, mentor, program characteristics...