Consistency Counts: How Mentors Build Resilience in At-Risk Youth

Smith, C. A., Newman-Thomas, C., & Stormont, M. (2015). Long-term mentors’ perceptions of building mentoring relationships with at-risk youth. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 23(3), 248–267. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2015.1073566

Introduction

Youth mentoring offers a promising intervention for adolescents vulnerable to academic and social failure. Smith and colleagues (2015) examined how long-term mentors understand the relational processes that foster resilience among at-risk youth. Grounding their inquiry in attachment theory and the concept of natural mentoring relationships, the study sought to identify key elements that strengthen mentor–mentee connections and support social and academic growth.

Methods

Twelve experienced mentors from educational, community, and faith-based contexts participated in two focus groups. Using semi-structured prompts, participants discussed their most successful mentoring experiences and what they believed most contributed to adolescent success. Transcripts underwent systematic content analysis to identify shared perceptions and themes.

Results

Four interrelated themes emerged: supportive acceptance (unconditional regard and emotional safety), consistency (long-term reliability), social literacy (modeling empathy and interpersonal skills), and future visioning (helping youth plan and believe in achievable futures). Mentors emphasized that resilience could be cultivated when these elements were present and sustained.

Discussion

Findings highlight mentoring as a developmental partnership requiring patience, presence, and authenticity. Mentors’ consistent care provided a “secure base” from which youth could explore, fail, and grow. Such finding paralleling attachment theory’s foundations.

Implications for Mentoring Programs

Programs should train mentors in trauma-informed relational approaches emphasizing consistency, empathy, and goal setting. Ongoing support and reflection opportunities can help mentors sustain relationships and develop long-term resilience and self-efficacy in youths.

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