| NCJ Number: |
162038   |
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| Title: |
Building Relationships With Youth in Program Settings: A Study of Big Brothers/Big Sisters |
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| Author(s): |
K V Morrow; M B Styles |
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| Date Published: |
1995 |
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| Page Count: |
133 |
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| Sponsoring Agency: |
NCJRS Photocopy Services
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
Public/Private Ventures
Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
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| Sale Source: |
NCJRS Photocopy Services
Box 6000
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
United States of America
Public/Private Ventures
2005 Market Street, Suite 900
Philadelphia, PA 19103
United States of America |
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| Type: |
Program/Project Evaluation |
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| Language: |
English |
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| Country: |
United States of America |
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| Annotation: |
This study of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America (BB/BSA) program practices and other mentoring programs involving college students, elderly persons, middle school students, and youth in juvenile justice institutions evaluated the effectiveness of interpersonal relationships established between match adults and young people. |
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| Abstract: |
The study involved 82 matches made and supervised by eight BB/BSA agencies over a 9-month period. Since the study focused on matches that would be most likely to reveal characteristics of BB/BSA relationships and how they changed over time, matches were chosen that had been meeting for not less than 4 months. It was found that relationships sorted themselves into two broad categories, prescriptive and developmental. Developmental relationships were those in which adult volunteers held expectations that varied over time in relation to youth needs. Both adults and young people in developmental relationships demonstrated attachment to their partners, a strong sense of commitment, and a desire to continue the match. Prescriptive relationships were those in which adult volunteers viewed their goals rather than young people's goals as primary. Many adults and young people in these relationships were frustrated and unsatisfied. Prescriptive volunteers believed the primary purpose of their involvement was to guide young people toward embracing positive values, attitudes, and behaviors, while developmental volunteers believed their main purpose was to provide opportunities and supports young people did not currently have. Adults and young people engaged in various forms of activity and discussion, and the BB/BSA program model appeared to provide a good setting for the growth of mutually satisfying relationships between adults and young people. References and tables |
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| Main Term(s): |
Juvenile delinquency prevention programs |
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| Index Term(s): |
Interpersonal relations; Mentoring programs; Program evaluation; Volunteers |
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To cite this abstract, use the following link:
http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=162038 |
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