ERIC Number: EJ1334292
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2164-3989
EISSN: N/A
Perceptions of At-Promise Youth in a Therapeutic Youth Mentoring Program
Stutey, Diane M.; Solis, Abigail E.; Severn, Kim; Notestine, Lori; Enkler, Kodi L.; Wehrman, Joseph; Cammell, Molly
Professional Counselor, v12 n1 p17-35 2022
There is a need for mental health interventions for youth in the United States. Youth mentoring programs have proven to be successful in helping in a variety of aspects. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain insight into the lived experiences of participants in a therapeutic youth mentoring program. In addition to being paired 1:1 with a mentor, all of the youth had access to individual counseling with counselors-in-training throughout the program. The participants in this study were 14 youth, ages 11--15, who were considered "at-promise youth" if they were not reaching their full potential in the school setting and might be vulnerable to school dropout, substance use/misuse, and/or criminal behavior. All participants were interviewed at the beginning and end of a 12-week therapeutic mentoring program. Five themes emerged from the data: life stressors, self-awareness, trusting others, adaptability and resiliency, and hope for the future. Researchers observed an increase in participants' self-esteem, self-efficacy, and problemsolving and coping skills. Implications for counselors, particularly those interested in adding a therapeutic component to traditional mentoring programs, are discussed along with suggestions for future research.
Descriptors: Youth Programs, Mentors, Therapy, Experience, Early Adolescents, At Risk Students, Student Attitudes, Stress Variables, Self Concept, Trust (Psychology), Resilience (Psychology), Adjustment (to Environment), Aspiration, Program Effectiveness, Mental Health Programs
National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates. 3 Terrace Way, Greensboro, NC 27403. Tel: 336-547-0607; Fax: 336-547-0017; e-mail: TCPjournal@nbcc.org; Web site: http://tpcjournal.nbcc.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A