Parenting
Proven Impact: Why Role Models Matter for Growth & Success
Why do role models matter? Role models matter profoundly because they serve as vital guides, shaping our aspirations, influencing our behaviors, and providing tangible blueprints for navigating life’s complexities. They offer invaluable inspiration and practical guidance, helping us realize our full potential. From career paths to personal values, the right role model can significantly influence our life trajectory, acting as a powerful force for positive change and development. Their presence is fundamental for both individual and societal progress.
This past month, I reflected deeply on the impact of my mentor, Judy DeLoache, who sadly passed away. She plucked me from college at 22, launching my academic career. Under her guidance, I earned my master’s and Ph.D., learning to write, research, and think scientifically. Most importantly, Judy taught me to navigate a difficult, male-dominated field with dignity. I looked up to her, emulated her, and attribute many career accomplishments to her unwavering support. Her presence was a blessing, and her legacy continues to inspire me.
1. Defining the Power of Role Models
In psychological terms, a “model” is someone whose behaviors you can imitate to learn something new, whether those behaviors are good or bad. However, a role model is specifically a positive influence who inspires and guides good behaviors. This distinction is crucial, as the impact of observing others can be either constructive or detrimental depending on the source. Understanding this difference helps us consciously choose who we emulate.
What defines an effective role model? An effective role model is a positive influence who inspires and guides good behaviors. Research indicates that the best role models are competent, meaningfully similar to the individual, and their success appears attainable (Gladstone & Cimpian, 2021). This combination fosters aspiration without overwhelming, making their achievements feel within reach and demonstrating that hard work can lead to success.
The effectiveness of a role model often hinges on perceived similarity. Individuals are more likely to choose and learn from those who share aspects of their identity, such as gender, race, or ethnicity. This is particularly significant for women and historically marginalized groups, who may face unique barriers in certain fields (Kearney & Levine, 2020). When a role model mirrors one’s own background, it creates a powerful sense of possibility and validation.
For instance, studies show that teachers are better able to positively influence the educational performance and career decisions of students who share their gender or race. This connection builds trust and provides a relatable example of success. The belief that “if they can do it, I can too” is amplified when the path ahead has been successfully navigated by someone similar. This is why role models matter so much for breaking down perceived barriers.
2. Shaping Futures: The Profound Impact of Role Models
The influence of role models extends deeply into educational and career trajectories. Female college students, for example, are more likely to enroll in courses taught by a female professor. Moreover, they are significantly more likely to pursue and persist in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) major if they have a female professor for a STEM class, compared to those with male mentors (Kearney & Levine, 2020). This highlights the direct link between visible representation and academic persistence.
Similarly, students from underrepresented ethnic and racial backgrounds show improved performance when taking classes with professors who share their ethnic or racial group, relative to their White peers. This effect isn’t limited to higher education; Black students assigned to a Black teacher as early as elementary school are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college than those assigned to a White teacher (Kearney & Levine, 2020). These statistics powerfully illustrate why role models matter from an early age.
Beyond academia, role models inspire in diverse fields. Think of Malala Yousafzai, whose courageous advocacy for girls’ education has inspired millions globally. Or Serena Williams, whose unparalleled athletic prowess and resilience on and off the court exemplify dedication and breaking barriers. These figures, whether known personally or through media, offer concrete examples of what can be achieved through perseverance and passion (Harvard, 2024). Their stories underscore the profound impact of seeing someone achieve greatness.
The impact of role models isn’t always about grand achievements; it’s also about everyday inspiration. A community leader demonstrating integrity, an entrepreneur building a sustainable business, or even a fictional character embodying desirable traits can profoundly affect an individual’s attitudes and behaviors. The “Scully Effect,” where girls who watched “The X-Files” were more likely to pursue STEM careers, citing Dana Scully as an influence, is a prime example of media’s power to create influential figures (Kearney & Levine, 2020). This demonstrates how the power of role models transcends direct interaction.
3. Finding Your Guiding Light: Role Models in the Digital Age (2025)
Historically, finding diverse and relatable role models through media has been a significant challenge, especially for women and underrepresented groups. In the 1980s and 1990s, male characters dominated children’s television and movies, often portrayed as more independent, important, and brave. Female characters were scarce, often stereotyped, and frequently depicted as victims. Black, Hispanic, and Asian characters were almost non-existent, limiting the pool of aspirational figures for many young viewers. Even into the 2000s, women comprised less than 40 percent of prime-time characters, perpetuating a narrow view of success and leadership. This scarcity meant that for many, finding role models involved looking beyond the screen.
Not surprisingly, when researchers asked 179 children aged 8-13 to describe a role model, girls and children from underrepresented groups were more likely to cite people they knew personally rather than media figures (Anderson & Cavallaro, 2002). This was a direct consequence of the lack of media representation that matched their gender and ethnicity. The absence of diverse figures on screen forced children to seek inspiration closer to home, highlighting a significant gap in cultural exposure.
Fortunately, the media landscape in 2025 is far more diverse, though still imperfect. There are now considerably more women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ characters on television and in film than ever before. This increased representation means that children and adults alike have more opportunities to see themselves reflected in positive, inspiring ways. From groundbreaking scientists to visionary entrepreneurs and compassionate leaders, diverse narratives are enriching the cultural tapestry and providing a broader spectrum of inspirational role models.
Beyond traditional media, the digital age has introduced a new category of “digital role models” through social media influencers, content creators, and online communities. These individuals can connect directly with their audience, sharing their journeys, expertise, and values. While this offers unprecedented access to diverse voices, it also necessitates critical evaluation. It’s crucial to discern genuine positive influences from those who might promote unrealistic lifestyles or harmful behaviors. The ability to choose and curate one’s digital exposure is a new, important skill in finding effective role models today.
4. Beyond the Spotlight: The Everyday Role Models in Our Lives
While media figures and public personalities can inspire from afar, the most immediate and impactful role models often come from within our personal circles. Classically, parents serve as children’s primary role models, especially those of the same gender, such as mothers with their daughters and fathers with their sons (Hill & Duncan, 1987). Parents demonstrate values, work ethic, and relationship dynamics daily, laying foundational lessons that children internalize. Their consistent presence and guidance make them powerful, albeit sometimes unconscious, influences.
However, parents rarely share all the same aspirations or interests as their children, and kids spend a significant amount of time away from their parents, particularly as they mature. This creates a natural gap where additional mentorship can be incredibly beneficial. Friends, relatives, teachers, coaches, and community leaders often step into these roles, providing guidance and inspiration that complements parental influence. These “everyday” role models offer diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge that might not be available within the immediate family unit (Harvard, 2024).
For children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who may have fewer opportunities to encounter diverse career paths or educational experiences outside their immediate family, external role models are particularly vital. Programs like Big Brothers, Big Sisters are specifically designed to bridge this gap by pairing children with slightly older mentors. These well-structured mentoring programs have demonstrated significant long-term benefits in children’s educational and career attainment. Participants often show fewer school absences, greater academic confidence, and improvements in their grades, underscoring the tangible impact of dedicated mentorship (Kearney & Levine, 2020).
These programs highlight that the importance of role models extends beyond mere admiration; it’s about active, supportive relationships that provide scaffolding for growth. A mentor who is closer in age or shares specific interests can provide relatable guidance, helping young people navigate challenges and set attainable goals. This is why fostering a network of caring adults and community programs is crucial for ensuring all children have access to positive influences. It reinforces that role models matter not just for inspiration, but for practical, ongoing support.
5. Overcoming Challenges: Cultivating a Diverse Set of Role Models
Finding the right role model can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you’re looking for specific traits or experiences that aren’t immediately apparent in your immediate environment or in mainstream media. One common pitfall is to seek a single, perfect role model who embodies every quality you admire. In reality, it’s often more effective to cultivate a diverse “portfolio” of role models, each inspiring a different aspect of your life. This approach allows for a broader spectrum of learning and minimizes the pressure on any single individual to be flawless.
To actively seek out role models, start by identifying the specific areas in your life where you seek growth—be it career development, personal wellness, ethical decision-making, or creative pursuits. Once you have clarity, you can intentionally look for individuals who excel in those domains. These could be people you know, figures in your professional network, authors whose books resonate with you, or even historical figures whose lives offer valuable lessons (Harvard, 2024). The key is to be proactive and open-minded about where you find inspiration.
When traditional role models are scarce, particularly for those in niche fields or underrepresented groups, consider alternative sources. Online communities, specialized forums, and professional associations can connect you with individuals who share unique experiences and expertise. Virtual mentorships and online courses taught by experts can also provide valuable guidance and a sense of connection. The rise of platforms like LinkedIn offers unprecedented opportunities to identify and even connect with individuals whose career paths or achievements you admire, creating new avenues for mentorship and inspiration.
It’s also crucial to look beyond surface-level attributes and focus on character, values, and resilience. While shared identity can be a powerful connector, a role model doesn’t necessarily have to be someone who looks exactly like you or has followed an identical path. What truly makes role models matter is their ability to demonstrate admirable qualities, overcome adversity, and consistently embody positive behaviors. By focusing on these deeper characteristics, you broaden your potential pool of mentors and find inspiration in unexpected places, helping you to build a robust and impactful network of guiding lights.
6. The Legacy You Build: Becoming a Role Model Yourself
The journey of understanding and benefiting from role models often culminates in the realization that we, too, can become a source of inspiration for others. This shift from receiving guidance to giving it is a natural progression in personal development, and it carries its own profound rewards. Embracing the opportunity to be a role model means consciously embodying the positive traits and values you admire, recognizing that your actions and words can significantly influence those around you, particularly younger generations.
Becoming a role model involves more than just achieving success; it’s about how you navigate challenges, demonstrate integrity, and treat others. It means being a visible example of resilience, kindness, and perseverance. For parents, this means being mindful of the behaviors and attitudes they display, as children are constantly observing and internalizing these lessons (Harvard, 2024). Similarly, in professional settings, senior colleagues can inspire junior team members by demonstrating strong work ethic, ethical leadership, and a commitment to continuous learning.
The fulfillment that comes from knowing you’ve positively impacted someone’s life is immense. Whether it’s a child looking up to you, a mentee seeking your advice, or a peer drawing inspiration from your journey, the act of being a role model reinforces your own values and provides a sense of purpose. It’s an opportunity to pay forward the guidance you’ve received, creating a ripple effect of positive influence within your community and beyond. This is why the importance of role models extends to the act of being one.
Remember that loving, caring friends and relatives, like your parents, can serve as role models, and likewise, that you or your relatives can serve as role models for your kids. Today, with increased media diversity, there are more opportunities than ever for individuals from all backgrounds to see themselves represented and to become visible role models. By actively cultivating positive traits and sharing your experiences, you contribute to a richer, more inclusive landscape of inspiration for everyone. It truly highlights how role models matter for collective human flourishing.
I will always miss my mentor, Judy, but after learning so very much from her, I can now reflect on how lucky I was to have someone whose path I was so thrilled to follow. Her legacy lives on, not just in my career, but in the understanding she imparted about the enduring power of positive influence.
