Final answer:
Research suggests that while same-gender or race/ethnic mentoring pairs often lead to better support, diverse pairings may offer greater career benefits. This complexity implies that difficulties are not simple to predict based solely on demographic matches.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering which mentoring relationship is most likely to experience difficulties, it is important to take into account the dynamics of gender, race, and ethnicity. According to research, while women and members of underrepresented racial/ethnic populations often lack access to mentors with the same gender or ethnicity, creating pairings on these similarities can lead to better psychosocial outcomes. However, when it comes to career advancement and higher pay, women and people of color may benefit more from mentors of a different gender or race/ethnicity. Thus, the most challenging relationship might not be as obvious based on gender or race alone, but rather on the nuanced interactions between perceived support and career outcomes.