The Relationship Between Coaching Mentors, Age, and Adolescent Problem Behaviors

• Main Author: Hoke, Derek J.
• Format: Others
• Published: DigitalCommons@USU 2011
• Subjects: Coach; Mentor; Problem Behaviors; Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/931; https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1927&context=etd

This study examined coaches as potential mentors who could influence adolescent problem behaviors. By using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), this study compared adolescents who self-reported not having any adult mentors in their life against adolescents who self-reported having a coach mentor in their life on various problem behaviors (i.e., sexual attitudes and behaviors, tobacco, marijuana, steroid, and alcohol use). This study also looked ages of adolescents to see what, if any, influences age presented. Results of this study indicated that in some areas coaches might have a positive effect, albeit slight. When age was analyzed it became apparent there were significant differences between younger and older adolescents' problem behaviors. Discussion addressed implications, theory, limitations, and directions for future research related to coaches as mentors of adolescents.