Examining the Role of Natural Mentors in the Relationship Between Childhood Abuse, Life Satisfaction, and Depression: Findings from Add Health

Abstract The current study investigated the impact of childhood abuse (i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect) on life satisfaction and depression in adulthood, while also examining the role of natural mentors. Natural mentors are nonparental adults from one’s social network (e.g., teachers, coaches, extended family, community members) who provide guidance and support. Data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) across Waves I, III, and IV. The sample included individuals who indicated that they did ( n = 11,434) and did not ( n = 3,708) have a natural mentor at any time since the age of 14 years. Majority of participants identified as White (62.2%), followed by African American or Black (22.4%), Hispanic or Latinx (16.1%), Asian or Pacific Islander (7.9%), Other (8.9%), and American Indian or Native American (3.6%). Multigroup mediation analysis results indicated that all forms of childhood abuse negatively impacted life satisfaction, which in turn increased depressive symptoms in adulthood. The direct influence of childhood abuse on depression was also significant. Although life satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between childhood abuse and depression, the presence of a natural mentor did not mitigate these effects. Thus, natural mentors did not buffer against the negative outcomes associated with exposure to childhood abuse. More research is needed to understand the interaction between natural mentoring relationships and childhood abuse.