The Impact of Mother Support and Natural Mentoring on the Depressive Symptoms of Black Youth

Citation

Jones, Kristian V.; Boyd, Donte T.; & Quinn, Camille R. (2021). The Impact of Mother Support and Natural Mentoring on the Depressive Symptoms of Black Youth. Journal of Child and Family Studies. vol. 30 (11) pp. 2589-2600

Abstract

Research indicates both natural mentoring and family factors such as parental support are beneficial for the psychological wellbeing of youth. Despite the existing evidence on the benefits of natural mentoring and parental support, there has been little evidence that considers the simultaneous influence of these factors on the depressive symptoms among Black youth. Guided by Keller’s systemic model of mentoring, we investigated the influence of mother support and the characteristics of natural mentoring relationships on depressive symptoms among Black youth. We used nationally representative data of Black youth from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 2344). The findings indicate that both mentor bonding and mother support were significant predictors of depressive symptoms among Black youth. However, mother support was positively associated with depressive symptoms and mentor bonding was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of natural mentors in the lives of Black youth and suggest they may be useful in alleviating depressive symptoms.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02049-4

Keyword(s)

mother support

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Child and Family Studies

Author(s)

Jones, Kristian V.
Boyd, Donte T.
Quinn, Camille R.

Year Published

2021

Volume Number

30

Issue Number

11

Pages

2589-2600

ISSN/ISBN

1573-2843

DOI

10.1007/s10826-021-02049-4

Reference ID

9463