A Rapid Review of Current Evidence of Youth Initiated Mentoring: Future Directions for Research and Practice

Youth initiated mentoring (YIM) is a relatively new approach to youth mentoring, which involves a young person selecting a non-parental mentor from their existing social network with the support of programme staff. Based on a rapid review of the literature, this article explores the current evidence in relation to YIM and presents directions for future research and practice. Drawing from a thematic analysis of 14 articles that met the inclusion criteria for the study, evidence was synthesised in relation to the benefits and challenges associated with the YIM approach and implications for future research and practice. The research studies reviewed reported that supportive and sustainable relationships have developed between mentors and mentees, resulting in positive outcomes for young people’s personal development. By combining the benefits of natural mentoring with the rigour and scaffolding of formal mentoring, YIM programmes were deemed a valuable new approach to youth mentoring. Challenges included the inability or reluctance of some young people to select their own mentor, difficulties in the recruitment or retention of mentors on programmes, and inequality relating to marginalised youth’s access to social capital, resources, and mentors. In terms of future directions, there is a need for more research and evaluation focused on youth, mentor and parent outcomes, greater cultural diversity in research, and ensuring that participation is at the heart of all programmes.