Entries by Jean Rhodes

A case for the embracing the science of mentoring

 by Jean Rhodes Despite significant strides in establishing the evidence base in the field of mental health, relatively few practitioners ground their work in clinically-proven strategies. Indeed ,there are now proven strategies for treating such problems as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and eating disorders, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) , dialectical behavior therapy, and family-based treatment programs–yet, few […]

Study aims to fight impact of “Stereotype Threat”

By Max Pienky (Stanford Daily) A recent Stanford study found that the grades of all students in the classroom improve when students at risk of negative stereotypes are protected from these stereotypes. The study, published in the journal “Psychological Science,” sought to decrease students’ experiences of a phenomenon called “stereotype threat.” A stereotype threat exists […]

Inclusive Programs Improve Quality for All Youth

By Marty Martinez As practitioners, we are always looking for ways to strengthen the quality of our program to ensure that mentoring does not just feel good, or look good, but is producing real outcomes for youth. As we work to utilize quality mentoring to strengthen our communities, we must ensure that our services are […]

“Grit” is not a panacea for the problems facing disadvantaged youth

By Jean Rhodes Grit is in the limelight. Schools are teaching and testing for grit, and mentoring programs are increasingly exploring ways to incorporate training in grit and other social and emotional skills into mentors’ toolkits. Professor Angela Duckworth’s excellent research and new bestseller on the topic have fueled both enthusiasm for such efforts as well as debate […]

Christiane Amanpour reflects on how riding lessons prepared her for life

Chapter 3 of Matilda Raffa Cuomo’s book: The Person Who Changed My Life, Iranian journalist and television host, Christiane Amanpour, Chief International Correspondent for CNN and host of CNN International’s nightly interview program Amanpour reflects on the lessons her strict riding instructor taught her and how those lessons prepared her for life.       […]

There’s no substitute for someone who gets you

by Laura Yoviene and Jean Rhodes We like people who “get” us–those friends and family members who seem to understand who we are at an intuitive level and yet love and appreciate us all the same. Students gravitate toward teachers, guidance counselors, and other adults who get them, which creates opportunities for these caring adults to influence students’ career choices and […]

What do boys want?: A conversation with Professor Niobe Way

Niobe Way, a professor in the Department of Applied Psychology at N.Y.U.’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, discussed her book with New Yorker columnist, Vanna Lee. Her edited version of their conversation appears below. VL: Why boys? NW: My interest in boys’ development grew out of listening to my younger brothers and […]