Also, parents perceived these relationships to improve peer relationships more than the

parents of those in same-race matches. However, girls in same-race matches had smaller

declines in the amount of value placed on school and self-worth. Boys in same-race

matches had smaller declines in school competence (Rhodes & Reddy, 2002). These

mixed results do not clearly indicate whether an ethnically matched mentor is, in total,

more beneficial for adolescents. The construct of ethnic identity was not evaluated in this

study.

 Mentoring programs typically do attempt to ethnically match mentors and

mentees. It is considered common sense that adolescents will be able to relate more

easily to an adult from the same ethnic background and that that person will be better

suited to serve as a role model and mentor. Natural mentors tend to be ethnically matched

(Sanchez & Reyes, 1999). However, the possible effect an ethnic mentor may have on

ethnic identity has not been studied. Research is needed to examine the potential

mechanisms by which an ethnic mentor may be beneficial for adolescents and their

mental health functioning.

Conclusions

 Whether a caring adult is part of a program or is a family or community member,

these relationships seem to have the potential to promote healthy psychological

development. It may be that as adolescents mature, the support of a trusted adult, other

than a parent, becomes important. Although mentors seem to be a part of normative

development, descriptions of the quality of these relationships, the characteristics of the

mentor (e.g., community member, ethnic match) are factors that have only been

minimally studied. This clearly is an area that needs more research. Surveys can be