Cross‐age peer mentoring for youth: A meta‐analysis

Although most mentoring programs for youth are structured around intergenerational relationships, a growing number of programs rely on cross‐age peer mentoring. Such programs capitalize on the availability of youth mentors to promote positive outcomes in younger peers. This study used a multilevel m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of community psychology 2022-09, Vol.70 (1-2), p.211-227
Main Authors: Burton, Samantha, Raposa, Elizabeth B., Poon, Cyanea Y. S., Stams, Geert Jan J. M., Rhodes, Jean
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Age
cross‐age
Effectiveness
Humans
Intergenerational relationships
Mentoring
Mentoring - methods
Mentoring programs
Meta-analysis
Peer Group
peer mentoring
Peers
Program Evaluation
School employees
Supervision
Youth
youth outcomes
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Summary:Although most mentoring programs for youth are structured around intergenerational relationships, a growing number of programs rely on cross‐age peer mentoring. Such programs capitalize on the availability of youth mentors to promote positive outcomes in younger peers. This study used a multilevel meta‐analytic approach to estimate the effect size of cross‐age peer mentoring programs and evaluate potential moderators of peer mentoring program effectiveness. Analyses included six studies and revealed a medium‐sized overall effect of cross‐age peer mentoring programs (g = 0.45). Several characteristics moderated effect sizes, with larger effects for programs that were conducted outside of the school setting (i.e., weekend, summer, or in community settings), conducted in urban settings, and had moderate/high levels of adult oversight and supervision. Results highlight the potential benefits of cross‐age peer mentoring for youth. Highlights Analyses revealed a medium‐sized overall effect of cross‐age peer mentoring programs (g = 0.45). Cross‐age peer mentoring can be an accessible intervention for promoting positive youth outcomes. Peer mentoring programs with moderate to high levels of adult oversight and supervision had larger effects. This study is the first meta‐analytic assessment of the impact of cross‐age peer mentoring programs.
ISSN:0091-0562
1573-2770
DOI:10.1002/ajcp.12579