The existence of natural mentors has been associated with less depressive

symptoms, less substance use, and lower rates of delinquency in adolescents (Rhodes et

al.,1992, 1994; Zimmerman et al., 2002). There is evidence to suggest that relationships

with natural mentors are a normative part of healthy adolescent development (Beam et

al., 2002). However, rates tend to vary widely across samples. Additional research is

needed to assess the existence and quality of these relationships. Clearly the relationships

between adolescents and naturally occurring mentors are different than those initiated by

intervention programs. Strengthening existing relationships with natural mentors may be

an additional way to intervene and enhance the lives of adolescents.

Ethnic Mentors

 Another interesting question that has been studied minimally brings the area of

ethnic identity and mentoring together. The question of whether or not the ethnicity of a

natural mentor has an effect on the ethnic identity of the mentee has not been evaluated

extensively. This aspect of the research study will be somewhat exploratory. However,

there is some evidence to suggest that contact with same ethnic adults can influence

ethnic identification.

 The construct of ethnic identity development has been studied in the foster parent

and adoption literature (Andujo, 1988; Friedlander, 1999; Friedlander et al., 2000).

Researchers have been interested in the development of ethnic identity in those children

and adolescents that are parented by adults with the same ethnic background compared to

those that are raised by parents with a different ethnic background.

 One study included 60 families, 30 European American couples, and 30 Mexican

American couples that adopted Mexican American children (Andujo, 1988). Both groups

of adolescents (mean age 14 years old) had comparable levels of self-esteem after