Entries by Justin Preston

Depression in adolescents trending upward, research shows

Mojtabai, R., Olfson, M., & Han, B. (2016). National trends in the prevalence and treatment of depression in adolescents and young adults. Pediatrics 138(6). DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-1878. Summarized by Justin Preston     Introduction The risk of developing depression rises sharply once children reach adolescence. Surveys of a nationwide sample of adolescents between the ages of […]

Engaged natural mentors can help offset impact of school discrimination

Wittrup, A., Hussain, S., Albright, J., Hurd, N., Varner, F. & Mattis, J. (2016). Natural mentors, racial pride, and academic engagement among Black adolescents: Resilience in the context of perceived discrimination. Youth & Society, 1-21. DOI: 10.1177/0044118X16680546     Summarized by Justin Preston   Introduction Black students in the United States face a wide array of […]

Being mindful of microaggressions: What are they and what mentors and programs can do

Written by Anne Godlasky, USA TODAY Many Americans have experienced “microaggressions,” but not as many know it. Microaggressions are the “constant and continuing reality of slights, insults, invalidations and indignities visited upon marginalized groups by well-intentioned, moral and decent family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, students, teachers, clerks, waiters and waitresses, employers, health care professionals and […]

Rethinking poverty: New research looks at deprivation beyond income level

Posted by Lance Wallace, Georgia Institute of Technology Since social scientists and economists began measuring poverty, its definition has never strayed far from a discussion of income. Now, new research shows there are multiple components of poverty that more accurately describe a household’s economic condition. “Deprivation” is more than simply low income, says Shatakshee Dhongde. Almost […]

New research investigates long-term impacts of natural mentors

Miranda-Chan, T., Fruiht, V., Dubon, V., & Wray-Lake, L. (2016). The functions and longitudinal outcomes of adolescents’ naturally occurring mentorships. American Journal of Community Psychology, 57, 47-59. Summarized by Sam Burton     Introduction Research has demonstrated that having strong relationships with non-parental adults relates to positive outcomes for adolescents, such as performing better in […]

New research studies reasons for early termination of mentoring relationships

Spencer, R., Basualdo-Delmonico, A., Walsh, J., & Drew, A. (2014). Breaking up is hard to do: A qualitative interview study of how and why youth mentoring relationships end. Youth & Society, 1-23. Summarized by Sam Burton     Introduction Mentoring programs aim to create lasting and meaningful relationships between mentors and youth. However, a significant […]

It’s that time of year: 5 self-care tips for navigating holiday stress

Written by the American Psychological Association With the holiday season getting underway and the decorations coming out, it is important to remember that the holidays have the potential to create additional challenges. Families are cutting back, people are worrying about job security or unemployment, and seniors are concerned about their retirement. Such worries are stressful, and the […]

Mentors can be helpful during college transition period for young adults, research shows

Hurd, N. M.,  Tan, J., Loeb, E. L. (2016). Natural mentoring relationships and the adjustment to college among underrepresented students. American Journal of Community Psychology. Summarized by Matthew Hagler     Introduction Compared to their more privileged counterparts, college students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, those from unrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups, and first-generation college […]