January 30, 2023
Research and Practices about Mentoring Relationship Quality in Canada
Mentoring relationship quality (MRQ) is often a key to success for mentoring programs.
However, there is limited knowledge about specific factors that contribute high-quality relationships. Researchers have defined and measured MRQ in different ways and program practices about creating and maintaining quality mentoring relationships vary widely across Canada.
This webinar will explore phase 1 findings from a review of the literature and select program practices from an ongoing Canadian research project which aims to improve programs’ ability to increase mentor/mentee compatibility and quality mentoring relationship formation.
Please join us on January 30th from 2:00 - 3:00pm EST to learn about findings from phase 1 of the “Mentoring Relationships: Exploring connections, relatedness and wellbeing of both mentors and youth mentees” research project, under the direction of Dr. Christina Rinaldi (University of Alberta). The project is supported by a SSHRC-Partnership Development Grant.
The Researchers
Dr. Christina Rinaldi, Ph.D.
Dr. Christina Rinaldi is a Professor in the College of Social Sciences & Humanities at the University of Alberta and the Scientific Director for the Canadian Center for Mentoring Research. Dr. Rinaldi’s research focuses on the role of key relationships (parents, mentors, peers, teachers) in supporting the healthy development and the mental health and wellbeing of children and youth. Dr. Rinaldi is interested in how parents support successful mentoring experiences, and how mentoring is an important way to foster positive outcomes for youth via high quality relationships with caring adults. A common thread across all of her research has been the drive to enhance youth development and wellbeing through social connection.
Katie Howard, Doctoral Student at the University of Alberta (Educational Psychology)
Katie Howard is a Doctoral Student studying School and Clinical Child Psychology at the University of Alberta. She is currently working on research intended to explore mentorship relationship quality in mentoring programs across Canada, and was a co-director of a student-led mentorship program for University of Alberta students in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program from 2020-2022.
Leah Brassard, Master's Student at the University of Alberta (Clinical Child Psychology)
Leah Brassard is a second year Master's student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at the University of Alberta. She holds a previous Master's degree in Social Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is currently collaborating on research understanding mentor relationship quality and organizational understanding of mentorship factors.