It’s Goal Time: New Study Highlights Youth Perceptions of Natural Mentors

Brumovska, T. J. (2024). Characteristics of identified natural mentors in the experiences and perceptions of early-and-middle-aged adolescent youth: Implications for formal youth mentoring practice. Children and Youth Services Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107765

Introduction

Natural mentors, unlike formal mentors, are identified organically within youths’ social networks and play a crucial role in their socio-emotional and cognitive development. Brumovska (2024) studies the characteristics and impacts of natural mentors from the perspective of adolescent mentees.

Methods

Qualitative and quantitative data from a convenience sample of 533 adolescents aged 11-16 from eight secondary schools in the Czech Republic was analyzed. 

Participants were asked to provide responses to 31 open-ended and 28 closed questions about the natural mentors, their characteristics, and the nature of the mentoring relationships.

Results

About 50.1% of youths identified a natural mentor, reporting that mentors tended to be the same gender as the mentee and that mentor age varied significantly, with some near the age of the mentee (15-20yrs old) and others aged 50 and above. Mentors were primarily friends or older peers (19.6%), grandparents (11.3%), school teachers (8.1%), and sports coaches (7.3%).

Mentors were frequently described as kind, caring, empathetic, and supportive and were valued for their reliability, honesty, wisdom, and sense of humor. 

Perceived Benefits

Youths reported appreciating mentors who provided emotional support, were good listeners, and could offer practical advice. In particular, youth reported valuing mentors who encouraged them to pursue goals. 

Engaging in shared activities and having common interests with mentors were crucial for building strong, enjoyable, and meaningful relationships.

Discussion

The study highlights the essential role natural mentors play in the lives of adolescents, providing emotional support, encouragement, and practical guidance in line with mentee goals.

Implications for Mentoring Programs:

• Formal mentoring programs may want to consider acknowledging existing natural mentoring relationships for youth and consider things that are or are not going well, as they aim to support new formalized mentoring relationships.

• Mentor training programs may want to emphasize the importance of mentors supporting mentee goals, as well as mentor engagement in activities with their mentee’s. Explicit skill training and problem solving in this are may help to create long lasting mentoring relationships.

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