The test of time: Predictors and effects of duration in youth mentoring relationships

Key Findings:

• Study of 1,138 adolescents in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs

• Critical finding: Relationships lasting a year or longer produced largest improvements

• Warning: Relationships terminating within 3-6 months can result in DECLINES in youth self-worth and scholastic competence

• Youth with prior trauma, older adolescents, and those in high-stress situations most likely to experience early terminations

Title: The test of time: Predictors and effects of duration in youth mentoring relationships

Published in: American Journal of Community Psychology, 30(2), 199-219

Authors: Grossman, J. B., & Rhodes, J. E. (2002)

Photo by ishakah rumbani on Unsplash

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