The Impact of Mentoring: An Analysis of Psychosocial Mediators in Youth Transition Outcomes

Abstract

Opportunity youth range in age from 16 to 24. They are not in school or working, and each of the 6.7 million of them cost taxpayers an average of $51,350 on an annual basis. Opportunity youth create a drain on economic resources at all levels of government and present a formidable problem worthy of immediate attention. This study uses data from the Flint Adolescent Study to analyze the mediation of psychosocial variables on mentoring to impact transition outcomes for high school students. Theoretically, a positive transition will decrease the chance of them becoming opportunity youth. Mediation analysis indicates that determination, goal setting, self-efficacy, and trust mediate the effects of mentoring on positive outcomes. Strong, positive correlations exist between goal setting and positive outcomes. One of the effects of mentoring youth is a socially developed entrant into the workforce and a potential reduction in the number of youth-based crimes traditionally committed by at-risk youth. The findings show that mentoring is effective in influencing positive youth behavior. Goal setting is a strong predictor of success and a worthwhile inclusion in high school curriculum. Natural mentors, in particular parental figures, should encourage and support their youth through goal setting activities, and training in determination and self-efficacy. This study informs policy development in local communities and provides research-based evidence to those entrusted with decision-making authority and stewardship of limited fiscal resources.

Keywords: youth mentoring, opportunity youth, mediation, mentors, psychosocial variables, transition outcomes