"I Really Wanted Her to Have a Big Sister": Caregiver Perspectives on Mentoring for Early Adolescent Girls
Sponsor
Center for Health Administration Studies at the University of Chicago and the National Institute of Mental Health (5 R21 MH069564-03).
Published In
Children and Youth Services Review
Document Type
Citation
Publication Date
5-1-2018
Abstract
Formal youth mentoring programs tend to focus on the mentor-mentee dyad as the primary relationship cultivated and supported. The interests and preferences of the parent or caregiver in the mentoring relationship may receive little attention. In this study, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with primary caregivers (N = 20) of early adolescent girls participating in a Big Brothers Big Sisters community-based mentoring program to explore reasons why they wanted mentors for their daughters. Thematic analysis revealed that caregivers expected mentors to support their daughters as trusted companions, confidants, and conduits to opportunities and services. In addition, caregivers noted ways in which mentoring offered them respite and reinforced their parenting. The findings highlight the potential value of assessing caregiver perspectives and priorities so that program staff and mentors can partner more effectively with youth and families for successful mentoring experiences.
Locate the Document
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.03.029
DOI
10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.03.029
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/25565
Citation Details
Keller, T. E., Overton, B., Pryce, J. M., Barry, J. E., Sutherland, A., & DuBois, D. L. (2018). I Really Wanted Her to Have A Big Sister: Caregiver perspectives on mentoring for early adolescent girls. Children and Youth Services Review, 88, 308-315.