NCJ Number
162038
Date Published
1995
Length
133 pages
Annotation
This study of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America (BB/BSA) program practices and other mentoring programs involving college students, elderly persons, middle school students, and youth in juvenile justice institutions evaluated the effectiveness of interpersonal relationships established between match adults and young people.
Abstract
The study involved 82 matches made and supervised by eight BB/BSA agencies over a 9-month period. Since the study focused on matches that would be most likely to reveal characteristics of BB/BSA relationships and how they changed over time, matches were chosen that had been meeting for not less than 4 months. It was found that relationships sorted themselves into two broad categories, prescriptive and developmental. Developmental relationships were those in which adult volunteers held expectations that varied over time in relation to youth needs. Both adults and young people in developmental relationships demonstrated attachment to their partners, a strong sense of commitment, and a desire to continue the match. Prescriptive relationships were those in which adult volunteers viewed their goals rather than young people's goals as primary. Many adults and young people in these relationships were frustrated and unsatisfied. Prescriptive volunteers believed the primary purpose of their involvement was to guide young people toward embracing positive values, attitudes, and behaviors, while developmental volunteers believed their main purpose was to provide opportunities and supports young people did not currently have. Adults and young people engaged in various forms of activity and discussion, and the BB/BSA program model appeared to provide a good setting for the growth of mutually satisfying relationships between adults and young people. References and tables