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Article
Perceived Similarity, Expectation-Reality Discrepancies, and Mentors' Expressed Intention to Remain in Big Brothers/Big Sisters Programs
Journal of Applied Social Psychology
  • Benjamin Paul Madia, University of Dayton
  • Catherine J. Lutz, University of Dayton
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2004
Abstract

Studies have begun to document the academic and psychosocial benefits of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters programs for at-risk youth (Rhodes, Grossman, & Resch, 2000). However, investigators have noted a problem with mentor attrition (Meissen & Lounsbury, 1981). The purpose of the current study was twofold. First, we explored the relative importance of specific dimensions of perceived similarity (including similarity in attitudes, interests, race, and personality) as well as mentors' expectation-reality discrepancies in predicting mentors' expressed intention to remain in Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs. Second, we examined a model whereby interpersonal attraction and relationship quality served as mediators of these associations. Our results suggest that perceived similarity in extraver-sion as well as the discrepancy between mentors' ideal versus actual roles were significant predictors of mentors' expressed intention to remain in the relationship. Relationship quality and interpersonal attraction appeared to mediate these findings.

Inclusive pages
598–623
ISBN/ISSN
1559-1816
Document Version
Postprint
Comments

Copyright © 2004, Wiley Periodicals Inc. This is the authors' accepted manuscript for the article of the same title that appeared in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, Vol. 34, Issue 3.

Some differences may exist between the manuscript and the published version; as such, researchers wishing to quote directly from this resource are advised to consult the version of record.

Articles by Catherine J. Lutz may appear elsewhere in this repository under the author names Catherine L. Zois or Catherine J. Lutz-Zois.

Publisher
Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Citation Information
Benjamin Paul Madia and Catherine J. Lutz. "Perceived Similarity, Expectation-Reality Discrepancies, and Mentors' Expressed Intention to Remain in Big Brothers/Big Sisters Programs" Journal of Applied Social Psychology Vol. 34 Iss. 3 (2004)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/catherine_zois/11/