Natural Mentoring Relationships Promote Healthy Development in African American Adolescent Mothers

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence found that natural mentoring relationships between nonparental adults and African American adolescent mothers can have a positive impact on their mental health. The study, led by N.M. Hurd and colleagues from the University of Michigan, followed 93 adolescent mothers over a period of 5 years, starting in their senior year of high school and ending 5 years after graduation.

The researchers discovered that having a natural mentor was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and fewer anxiety symptoms over time. Moreover, the presence of a natural mentor modified the relationship between stress and mental health problems over time. The study suggests that facilitating these natural mentoring relationships may be a useful strategy for promoting healthy development within this population.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that natural mentoring relationships between nonparental adults and African American adolescent mothers can reduce depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms over time.
  • The presence of a natural mentor modified the relationship between stress and mental health problems, indicating a positive impact on mental health.
  • The study suggests that facilitating natural mentoring relationships may be a useful strategy for promoting healthy development among African American adolescent mothers.
  • The researchers followed 93 adolescent mothers over a period of 5 years, providing a comprehensive understanding of the effects of natural mentoring relationships on mental health.
  • The study was published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence, a peer-reviewed academic journal.

Statistics:

  • The study followed 93 adolescent mothers over a period of 5 years.
  • The researchers found that having a natural mentor was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (number not specified).
  • The study discovered that natural mentoring relationships modified the relationship between stress and mental health problems over time.
  • The study was published in the Journal of Research on Adolescence in 2010.
  • The researchers were based at the University of Michigan, with a corresponding author, N.M. Hurd, in the Department of Psychology.

Sources:

  • Hurd, N.M., et al. (2010). Natural Mentoring Relationships Among Adolescent Mothers: A Study of Resilience. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 20(3), 789-809.
  • Mental Health Weekly Digest (2010). Natural Mentoring Relationships Promote Healthy Development in African American Adolescent Mothers.