Exploring Protective Processes Among Homeless Youth: The Role of Natural Mentors

Past research on homeless youth has primarily focused on the antecedents and consequences associated with homelessness and deviant peer networks. Few studies explored protective factors in the lives of homeless youth and how they may buffer against poor health and developmental outcomes. In comparison with their housed peers, homeless youth experience considerably higher rates of mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, victimization, sexual exploitation, and risky sexual behaviors. Research exploring protective factors could have important implications for informing programs and policies about interpersonal and environmental assets that could strengthen interventions aimed at improving outcomes for homeless youth. Relationships with important nonparental adults or natural mentors have demonstrated protective effects on adolescent functioning. The studies presented in this paper explored natural mentoring relationships among homeless youth, the nature and characteristics of these relationships, and their effects on the functioning of homeless youth. A brief introduction on the background of homeless youth is first presented then an overarching theoretical framework and related concepts are discussed, providing rationales for studying nonparental adult relationships among homeless youth. For the first study, cross-sectional data were obtained from 197 homeless youth, ages 14 to 21. Youth responded to surveys using audio computer-assisted self-interviews (audio-CASI). Approximately 73% of youth reported having natural mentors with 64% of mentors being nonkin. Participants with natural mentors reported higher satisfaction with social support and less risky sexual behaviors. Natural mentors with problem behaviors predicted higher youth problem behaviors. The second study used semi-structured interviews to study the nature and characteristics of natural mentoring relationships from the youth's perspective. Twenty-three participants who reported having natural mentors from the first study were recruited to participate in the qualitative study. Themes from the interviews revealed that natural mentors served as surrogate parents and provided substantial support that included instrumental, emotional, appraisal, and informational support. In conclusion, both studies indicate that homeless youth can have meaningful relationships with caring nonparental adults and these relationships could feasibly serve as a bridge for professionals and community agencies that work with homeless youth. The findings also suggest that natural mentors are a valuable source of support that could foster positive adaptation and resilience among homeless youth.