The Mentoring FAN

A Promising Approach to Enhancing Attunement within the Mentoring System

Bibliographic Data

ID11214751
AuthorsJulia Pryce (0000-0003-0156-0686, Loyola University Chicago, corresponding author), Julia M Pryce (Loyola University Chicago), Linda Gilkerson (Erikson Institute, Chicago, IL, USA), Johanna E Barry (Loyola University Chicago)
Year2018
Volume44
Issue3
Pages350-364
Publication date2018-05-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social Service Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0148-8376 • E-ISSN: 1540-7314
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01488376.2018.1472174
OpenAlexW2806141409
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited26

Youth mentoring is a popular tool in positive youth development, with most programs utilizing a model through which youth and non-parental adults are “matched.” Using an adaptation of the Facilitating Attuned Interactions framework, this study sought to explore the effectiveness of the Mentoring FAN in enhancing interpersonal attunement among mentoring staff at two youth mentoring programs in the U.S. Upon completion of the Mentoring FAN training, quantitative (n = 28) and qualitative (n = 15) data were collected from program staff at both sites. Open-ended data from a subset of mentors (n = 27) was also gathered. Results revealed that mentoring staff experienced significant increases in empathy following the Mentoring FAN intervention. Participant interviews revealed increased attunement, increased listening ability, and increased collaboration in the supervisory relationship. Findings support the continued delivery and rigorous testing of Mentoring FAN training, with great promise for enhancing attunement across the mentoring system as a means of strengthening the relationships so critical to this intervention. The study also has important implications for the development of mentor support practices within mentoring organizations, as well as policies designed to meet the needs of youth served by mentoring programs in the U.S

Active listening · Attunement · Empathy · Faculty Development · Interpersonal communication · Interpersonal relationship · Intervention (counseling · Medical education · Mentorship · Pedagogy · Peer mentoring · Professional development · Psychotherapist · Applied Psychology · Medicine · Mentoring and Academic Development · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Nursing · Psychology · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support