The Comparative Roles of Mentor Self-Efficacy and Empathy in Fostering Relationship Quality with Youth

Abstract

Youth mentors’ efficacy beliefs and relational skills should both influence the quality of their connections with their mentees, but a lack of research based on large, dyadic and longitudinal samples limits understanding of how mentor characteristics impact relationship quality. This study used three staged and process-focused structural equation models to (1) investigate the mutually reinforcing effects of mentor self-efficacy and empathy over time; (2) compare the longitudinal effects of mid-program mentor efficacy and empathy on end of program mentor and mentee perceptions of relationship quality; and (3) test a similar comparative model using cross-sectional end of program assessments to account for developmental changes in these variables over time. The sample consisted of 664 college-age mentor (76.5% female; $${\bar{x}}$$ x ¯ age = 24.5, range = 21–53; 23.5% non-White) and youth mentee (41% female; $${\bar{x}}$$ x ¯ age = 14.1, range = 10–19; 41.9% non-White) dyads. Mentor empathy predicted mentor perceptions of relationship quality at both time points and mentee perceptions at the end of the program. Mentor efficacy only predicted mentor reported relationship quality at the end of the program. The findings emphasize the importance of investing in empathy training for mentors to support both partners’ positive evaluation of the relationship. Program support to increase mentor self-efficacy should also have added value for mentors.

Putting school-based mentors' experience into context: a mixed-methods cross-country comparison

“…Caldarella et al, 2010;Cavell et al, 2018;Karcher and Lindwall, 2003;Stukas et al, 2016). Furthermore, prior research has identified age and length of experience as factors able to affect self-efficacy beliefs (Moreno-Jim enez and Villodres, 2010; Shoji et al, 2016), critical to mentors' and mentees' outcomes and perceptions of relationship quality, as well as volunteers' degree of involvement or relational challenges (Askew, 2006;Deane et al, 2022;Karcher et al, 2005;Parra et al, 2002). Further details about assumption testing and regression analysis results can be found in Appendix B.…”

“…Prior studies provide evidence of perceived self-efficacy being among the elements that most significantly influence mentors' overall perceptions of the experience (Bufali, 2022;Deane et al, 2022;DuBois and Karcher, 2005;Parra et al, 2002;Rangel et al, 2021). Thus, program coordinators should engage in continued monitoring of mentors' confidence in their abilities and provide particular support, guidance and encouragement when mentors feel ineffective.…”

“…Prior studies provide evidence of perceived self-efficacy being among the elements that most significantly influence mentors' overall perceptions of the experience (Bufali, 2022; Deane et al. , 2022; DuBois and Karcher, 2005; Parra et al.…”

“…Furthermore, prior research has identified age and length of experience as factors able to affect self-efficacy beliefs (Moreno-Jiménez and Villodres, 2010; Shoji et al. , 2016), critical to mentors' and mentees' outcomes and perceptions of relationship quality, as well as volunteers' degree of involvement or relational challenges (Askew, 2006; Deane et al. , 2022; Karcher et al.…”

“…Conversely, in hierarchical cultures, mentors may be less comfortable allowing mentees to take the lead and more likely to adopt prescriptive approaches. Finally, mentors from individualist cultural systems may appraise their self-efficacy more optimistically, with important implications (Deane et al, 2022;Karcher et al, 2005;Parra et al, 2002).…”