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

• Published in: Journal of child and family studies 2021-11, Vol.30 (11), p.2589-2600
• Main Authors: Jones, Kristian V., Boyd, Donte T., Quinn, Camille R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: African American Children; Attachment; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Black people; Child and School Psychology; Family support; Longitudinal Studies; Mental depression; Mental health; Mentoring; Mentors; Mothers; Original Paper; Parents & parenting; Psychological well being; Psychology; Social Sciences; Sociology; Symptoms; Youth
• ISSN: 1062-1024; 1573-2843
• DOI: 10.1007/s10826-021-02049-4

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. Highlights Investigated the influence of mother support and natural mentoring relationships on depressive symptoms among Black youth. Both natural mentoring and mother support were significant predictors of depressive symptoms among Black youth, surprisingly mother support was positively associated with depressive symptoms for Black youth. Findings highlight the importance of a close relationship between natural mentors in alleviating depressive symptoms for Black youth. The association between natural mentoring and depressive symptoms varied by the mentor’s gender. Positive perceived general health does not always equate to positive psychological health for Black youth.