Adolescents who have adjusted well in spite of profound and persistent stress often attribute their success to the influence of a natural mentor, such as a special aunt, neighbor, or teacher. Anecdotal reports of mentors' protective qualities are corroborated by a growing body of literature that has underscored the positive influence of non-parent adults in the lives of adolescents. Despite the promise of mentoring, as well as the recent rapid proliferation of volunteer programs across the United States, many questions remain concerning the nature and effects of mentor relationships.

In this talk, Rhodes discusses the processes through which mentoring is likely to promote positive development for adolescents, and presents findings from a series of studies examining the influence of natural and formal mentors. Implications of these findings for future research and preventative intervention are discussed.