Improving Outcomes for First-Time Offending Youth Through Meaningful Relationships

Introduction: Despite the popularity of youth mentoring for the prevention of health-risking behavior (Dubois et al., 2011), little is known about the influence of mentoring relationship quality on first-time offending youth. Few notable studies have captured the influence of relationship quality on youth outcomes, in general. Rhodes and colleagues (2005) found that high quality relationships were positively associated with self-worth. Similarly, Rhodes (2002, 2005) theory of mentoring posits that positive outcomes are derived from a relationship built on trust, mutuality, and respect. Yet, the lack of research on youths’ perceptions of the relationship is pronounced. A relationship characterized by inconsistency, early termination, and lack of trust may result in damaging effects (Karcher, 2005; Rhodes, 2002). Thus, evaluating youths’ perceptions of relationship quality is imperative for improving mentoring outcomes.

Method: The present study evaluated relationship quality and its association with outcomes important for first-time offending youth (i.e., future orientation, autonomy from substance use, and social-emotional assets). Participants were sampled from Campus Corps: Therapeutic Mentoring for At-risk Youth, a program aimed at limiting the youth’s involvement in the juvenile justice system. Participants (N = 249; 62% male) ranged in age from 11 to 18 years (M = 15). Participants were predominately White (62%), followed by Hispanic (28%), African American (4.2%), American Indian (2.8%), Asian American (2%), and other (1%). Mentor relationship quality was assessed with the Youth Mentoring Survey (Harris & Nakkula, 2010). Participant outcomes were assessed with the following: Life Orientation Test (Scheier, Carver, & Bridges, 1994); Autonomy from Substance Use (Henry et al., 2011); and the Social-Emotional Assets and Resilience Scales (Cohn et al., 2009).

Results: To assess the relationship between each outcome and relationship quality, a series of hierarchical regression models were specified. Results revealed that higher relationship quality predicted desirable changes, including future orientation (b = .236, SE = .092, p < .05), autonomy from marijuana use(b = .430, SE = .122, p < .001), autonomy from alcohol use(b = .560, SE = .136, p < .001), self-regulation(b = .167, SE = .067, p < .05), responsibility(b = .227, SE = .059, p < .001), social competence(b = .202, SE = .060, p < .001), and empathy (b = .292, SE = .053, p < .001).

Conclusions: Intervening early with first-time offending youth through high quality mentoring relationships may be beneficial and warrants further research. Findings from this study are relevant for audiences who work with delinquent youth and wish to promote wellness through influential, caring relationships.