Abstract
Testing critical race theory, we examined whether children and adolescents with an adult mentor of the same race/ethnicity display higher levels of confidence, competence, and caring than those with a mentor of a different race/ethnicity. We also tested whether longer participation in the mentoring program results in better developmental outcomes. The sample included 47 cross- and same-race mentor-mentee pairs in the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program. Developmental outcomes were measured using Big Brothers Big Sisters of America's (BBBSA) Program-based Outcome Evaluation, and were analyzed using t-test, chi-square, and General Lineal Model. No significant differences were found in youth development based on racial/ethnic match. However, the longer matched pairs showed greater competence. Implications for practice, policies, and research are also discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 83-89 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Children and Youth Services Review |
Volume | 61 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 1 2016 |
Keywords
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Critical race theory
- Match length
- Mentoring program
- Race/ethnicity match
- Youth development
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Sociology and Political Science