An interpersonal model for participation in mentoring relationships

Abstract

This study develops and tests a conceptual model of the relationship between three interpersonal components and involvement in mentoring relationships. The model was found to be a good fit for forecasting protege involvement. For proteges, communication competence and self‐esteem were both directly and indirectly related to participation in mentoring relationships. The indirect relationship was modified by perceptions of risk in intimacy. For mentors the best model manifested an indirect relationship between communication competence, self‐esteem and participation in mentoring relationships. Perceptions of risk in intimacy moderated this indirect relationship. Implications for the study of mentoring relationships as interpersonal relationships are discussed.