This research summary was developed by Pathways to Education.

HERE’S HOW THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE THIS RESEARCH SUMMARY:

Little is known about how mentoring decreases behavioural and emotional problems in youth living in situations of risk and disadvantage. The intent of this study was to a) examine if positive youth development (PYD) accounts for, i.e. mediates, the link between mentoring support and emotional/behavioural problems, and b) explore how this association differs between youth in ongoing vs. terminated mentoring relationships. The study found that PYD does mediate this association, though only in the case of youth who are in ongoing mentoring relationships.

The findings from this study may be helpful for youth researchers and those involved in the development of youth mentoring programs.