11/19/2025
The correlation between mentoring and prevention
Research shows a strong, positive correlation between mentoring and prevention, particularly regarding at-risk youth. High-quality, long-term mentoring acts as a protective factor, building resilience and reducing the likelihood of negative outcomes such as delinquency, substance abuse, and poor mental health.
Mentoring as a protective factor
A protective factor is a characteristic or experience that reduces the negative effects of risk and promotes positive development. Mentoring serves this function in several ways:
o Provides consistent support: A mentor is a reliable adult who offers consistent support and guidance, helping young people make positive decisions and feel cared for, which buffers against daily challenges and adversity.
o Addresses trauma: A trusted adult relationship can mitigate the harmful effects of childhood trauma (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and serve as a crucial buffer against later negative behaviors, including justice system involvement.
o Fosters resilience: Mentors help youth identify their strengths and teach problem-solving and coping skills, which builds resilience and the ability to "bounce back" from life's challenges.
Mentoring programs have been shown to Prevention of specific issues
Mentoring programs have been shown to prevent a wide range of problematic behaviors and outcomes in youth.
Issue - How mentoring provides prevention
- Delinquency and violence: Programmatic mentoring has a long history of being used to combat juvenile delinquency and violence. Studies indicate that mentoring can significantly reduce aggression and other indicators of violence.
- Substance use: Participation in mentoring programs, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, has been shown to reduce substance use, including alcohol and ma*****na, among at-risk youth.
- Poor mental health: Mentoring offers emotional support and stress reduction. Meta-analyses and reviews have linked mentoring to reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety.
- Bullying: Mentoring helps prevent bullying by equipping mentees with social and communication skills, modeling healthy relationships, and providing a safe space to discuss issues.
- Negative school outcomes: Mentoring can improve academic achievement, school attendance, and attachment to school. These benefits help prevent poor grades and dropping out.
What makes mentoring effective?
The correlation between mentoring and prevention is stronger when certain program characteristics are present. Effective mentoring programs involve the following elements:
- Long-term relationships: The effects of mentoring are greater when the relationship is long-lasting and characterized by a strong emotional bond and trust.
- Trained mentors: Programs that provide training and ongoing support to mentors are more effective. Training can teach positive coping strategies, such as emotional regulation and conflict resolution.
- Targeted support: Mentoring programs can be designed to address specific needs, such as mental health challenges or risks for delinquency. These specialized programs often yield stronger results.
- Focus on emotional support: Studies show that programs emphasizing emotional support and mentee advocacy produce greater outcomes than those focused solely on teaching or modeling.
Potential for negative outcomes
The potential for a mentoring program to be harmful is a critical consideration. Poorly implemented programs, such as those with relationships that end prematurely or mentors who are unreliable, can have an adverse effect. This is especially true for at-risk youth. For example, some studies have shown that programs that expose youth with limited prior arrest history to more deviant peers may increase criminal behavior. For this reason, high-quality implementation is vital.
Dr. Karl E. D'Abreu Sr., CPS, 33°
