Perceptions of "Big Sisters" and Their "Little Sisters" Regarding Mentoring Relationships

This qualitative study explored the relationships between six Little Sisters (mentees) and their Big Sisters (mentors) to develop an understanding of the perceptions of high-risk adolescent female mentees and their mentors regarding their mentoring relationships. Participants were purposefully selected--those actively involved in a formal mentoring relationship for a minimum of three years. Primary data were collected through audio taped interviews which were analyzed using a modification of the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method of data analysis. Findings suggest that a long-term nurturing mentoring relationship had a positive impact on the self-efficacy, aspirations, and possible selves in at-risk adolescent girls. The quality of the mentoring program played a significant role in the outcomes, and the emphasis on the importance of the commitment of quality time together helped to build nurturing relationships that fostered the academic, social, and emotional skill development in the Little Sisters. This study has provided information that may be useful for the fields of education and sociology and for training and development in mentoring programs. Two appendixes include: (1) Mentee Interview Protocol; and (2) Mentor Interview Protocol. (Contains 1 table.)