Natural Mentoring

These articles pertain to relationships that are forged with caring nonparent adults (e.g., extended families, teachers, coaches, clergy, etc.) as opposed to those that are matched through programs.

Profiles in Mentoring: A Conversation with Amanda Davis on Autonomy Support in Youth Mentoring Relationships

Dr. Davis is a school psychologist whose research focuses on…

Study Finds Race Matters More Than Gender in Who Gets a Mentor

Gowdy, G., Palmer, M. T., Saastamoinen, M., & Rivera, M.…

New Study Finds Informal Mentors Can Blunt Discrimination’s Toll on Latino/a Teens

Kuperminc, G. P., Arce,…

When Family Isn’t Enough: How Informal Mentoring Protects Rural Teens Under Stress

Kogan, S. M., Brody, G. H., & Chen, Y.-f. (2011). Natural…

Study Highlights Five Ways Mentors Shape Teen Autonomy

Davis, A. L., & McQuillin, S. D. (2022). Supporting autonomy…

New Study Finds Cousin Relationships Are a Hidden Source of Support for Young Adults

Hessel, H., & Christiansen, R. J. (2025). Close but not too…

Dissertation Reveals What Natural Mentors Really Bring to Addiction Recovery

Macias, E. M. (2026). The significance of implementing empathy…

Support Alone May Not Be Sufficient: Study Finds Natural Mentoring Falls Short for Youth Facing Abuse

Simpson, S. B., Dow, B. R., McQuillin, S. D., &…

A Concerning New Study on Young People and AI

By Jean Rhodes A young person is struggling. They could text…

Call for Proposals: Coach-Mentor Training Evaluation

The U.S. Soccer Foundation is seeking proposals from qualified…