Using rich narratives provided by youth, this research examines the holistic role of mentors in the lives of young people coming of age in an impoverished and dangerous context (n = 44). Mentees experienced household adversities (e.g. parental separation, substance abuse, familial incarceration) and community violence (e.g. neighborhood shootings, gangs, and assaults). Mentors provided emotional support, educational support, and protection from harm. In addition, youths experienced mentor versatility. Mentors were perceived as effective in aiding the youths’ resilience and at helping them navigate multiple levels of stressors and criminogenic conditions.

中文翻译：

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在美国最危险的城市之一指导弱势青年：从暴力街道到大学课堂

本研究利用青年提供的丰富叙述，考察了导师在贫困和危险环境中成年青年生活中的整体作用（n = 44）。学员经历过家庭逆境（例如父母分居、药物滥用、家庭监禁）和社区暴力（例如社区枪击、帮派和袭击）。导师提供情感支持、教育支持和保护免受伤害。此外，年轻人体验到了导师的多功能性。导师被认为可以有效地帮助青少年增强复原力，并帮助他们应对多层次的压力源和犯罪条件。