Match Characteristics Questionnaire

Match Characteristics Questionnaire

Comprehensive Perspective

The Match Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ) is unique in the range of match quality indicators that it measures. It measures positive and negative perceptions of the relationship, the mentor's focus on different types of activities, and the effects of external influences on the match. An optional written section provides deeper insight on match activities and the mentor's goals for the match. The subscales are described below. For information about the MCQ's development and reliability statistics, please download this document.

"...a truly ground-breaking contribution to the field of youth mentoring."

Dr. David DuBois,
Co-Editor, Handbook of Youth Mentoring

What does the MCQ Measure?

	Internal Relationship Quality: The MCQ asks mentors how they feel about their match.
	Activities focus: The MCQ assesses mentors' focus on developing the relationship and how much they focus on various aspects of the youth's growth.
	External Relationship Quality: The MCQ reveals how mentors perceive the external influences on their match (e.g., program, parents, logistics, etc.)

Subscales of the Match Characteristics Questionnaire

Internal Relationship Quality Subscales

	Closeness, the degree to which adults feel close with the youth
	Not Distant, the degree to which adults feel that the youth pushes them away (higher scores reflecting less distance)
	Academic Support Seeking, the degree to which adults feel the youth actively seeks help with schoolwork
	Nonacademic Support Seeking, the degree to which adults feel the youth actively seeks help related to personal issues
	Satisfaction, the mentor’s sense of fulfillment in the relationship
	General Compatibility, the degree to which adults feel they are generally well-matched with their mentees
	Risk-related Compatibility, the degree to which adults feel they are prepared to handle their mentees' behavior

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Activities Focus Subscales:

Sharing/Relating, the degree to which mentors focus on activities designed to forge a reciprocal bond with their mentees

Fun, the degree to which mentors focus on simply hanging out and having a good time with their mentees

Character Development, the degree to which mentors focus on character and related facets of mentees’ maturation and psychosocial development

Mental/Academic Growth, the degree to which mentors focus on school-related and mentally stimulating activities

Outlook, the degree to which mentors focus on activities related to mentees’ planning and preparing for their futures

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External Relationship Quality Subscales:

Programmatic Support, the degree to which adults feel supported by the program

Parental Support, the degree to which adults feel the parents have a positive effect on the match

Logistics, the degree to which travel requirements, availability, etc. interfere with the match

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Learn more about the Youth Mentoring Survey (YMS)

Click here to learn more about the YMS.