Faculty Articles
Examining natural mentoring relationships (NMRs) among self-identified gay, bisexual, and questioning (GBQ) male youth
Publication Title
Children and Youth Services Review
ISSN
0190-7409
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Abstract
Scholars have identified the presence of natural mentoring relationships (NMRs) as one of a set of protective factors that promote and protect the health and well-being of “at-risk” and marginalized youth. While this work has informed our understanding of the importance of NMRs for supporting youth and promoting positive development, it has only just begun to extend its inquiry focus onto the lives of same-sex attracted (SSA) youth (e.g., gay and bisexual youth). Thirty-nine in-depth interviews with self-identified gay, bisexual, and questioning (GBQ) male youth (ages 15–22) were qualitatively analyzed for the presence, form, and function of NMRs. Results from this inquiry revealed that participants identified a diverse range of “natural mentors” and that the provision of social support was of thematic prominence in these relationships. Results from this effort are here presented. Clinical and programming implications, as well as directions for future work are discussed.
DOI
10.1016/j.childyouth.2010.12.018
Volume
34
Issue
1
First Page
8
Last Page
14
Disciplines
Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Osteopathic Medicine and Osteopathy
NSUWorks Citation
Torres, Rodrigo S.; Harper, Gary W.; Sanchez, Bernadette; and Fernandez, Maria I., "Examining natural mentoring relationships (NMRs) among self-identified gay, bisexual, and questioning (GBQ) male youth" (2012). Faculty Articles. 295.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_com_faculty_articles/295