Intrapersonal and social–contextual factors related to psychological well‐being among youth experiencing homelessness

Abstract

Homeless youth are adolescents and young adults who do not have stable dwellings but instead live on the streets, in shelters, or in other unstable situations. Although researchers have begun examining well‐being among this population, little is known about components of well‐being that are relevant to homeless youth or which factors predict differences in well‐being. This study examined psychological well‐being and its associations with demographic characteristics, intrapersonal factors (mental health, optimism, and self‐esteem), and social–contextual factors (social support, sense of community, and empowerment) among 100 youth experiencing homelessness. All of the intrapersonal and social–contextual variables were associated with well‐being at the bivariate level. In the full regression model, only self‐esteem and psychological distress remained significant. Findings inform future research and program development at homeless service centers.

Community and well‐being: A qualitative study of how youth experiencing homelessness define community and its relations to their well‐being

“…While prior scholarship on the well‐being of youth experiencing homelessness provides a starting point for understanding how community experiences and social support might relate to their well‐being, little empirical research has qualitatively examined the variety of communities with which homeless youth identify, and how involvement with these communities might impact their well‐being. Prior literature suggests that SOC and social support are important to the well‐being of youth experiencing homelessness (e.g., Stewart & Townley, 2019), but more nuanced research is needed to determine how these constructs operate in the daily lives of these youth, as well as how researchers and service providers might better support the well‐being of youth through community and social support interventions.…”

“…Because youth experiencing homelessness cite high levels of optimism and a need to focus on positives to cope with their situations (e.g., Bender, Thompson, McManus, Lantry, & Flynn, 2007; Kidd, 2003; Usborne, Lydon, & Taylor, 2009), and because subjective well‐being measures require comparisons to whatever standard is salient at the time of judgment (Diener, 2009), youth's quantitatively reported levels of well‐being may be skewed in a positive direction. Furthermore, while prior research suggests that certain factors (such as, sense of community [SOC] and social support) are related to the well‐being of youth experiencing homelessness (e.g., Stewart & Townley, 2019), This study has yet to explore why these factors are important to the well‐being of youth and how these factors operate in their daily lives. Even if the prior research on youth's well‐being is not skewed, the quantitative results of this study will be more useful to service providers and communities if it is coupled with an understanding of the “how” and “why” of homeless youth's well‐being.…”

“…On the basis of prior research demonstrating the importance of community experiences and social support to the well‐being of youth experiencing homelessness (e.g., Bender et al, 2007; Karabanow, 2006; Morgan et al, 2011; Stewart & Townley, 2019; Taylor et al, 2004; Townley, Pearson, Lehrwyn, Prophet, & Trauernicht, 2016), the current research focuses specifically on how SOC and social support relate to the well‐being of youth experiencing homelessness. By allowing youth to describe—in their own terms—their experiences of community, social support, and well‐being, researchers can begin to understand (a) how youth understand and define these factors, (b) how these factors operate in the day‐to‐day lives of youth, as well as (c) directions for future research that applies these in‐depth understandings of youth's relationships with their communities and peers and how those experiences impact their well‐being.…”

“…With these findings in mind, it is unsurprising that youth experiencing homelessness cite the importance of the “homeless youth community” and peer support networks as critical to their well‐being (e.g., Bender et al, 2007). Furthermore, emerging research suggests a positive relationship between SOC and psychological well‐being among youth experiencing homelessness (Stewart & Townley, 2019), and prior research has found that youth's participation in social, recreational, and vocational activities was significantly related to both their SOC and psychological well‐being (Townley et al, 2016).…”

“…Prior research suggests that the number and strength of an individual's social connections are two of the strongest predictors of well‐being among various populations (e.g., Cohen & Wills, 1985; Dolan, Peasgood, & White, 2008; Helliwell & Putnam, 2004), while effective social support through social connectedness may enhance health and well‐being (Cohen & Wills, 1985; Jetten, Haslam, Haslam, Dingle, & Jones, 2014). Interpersonal relationships and social support have been found to contribute to well‐being among individuals experiencing homelessness (Biswas‐Diener & Diener, 2006; Stewart & Townley, 2019), with more recent research suggesting that gains in social support can benefit well‐being among individuals utilizing homeless services and housing programs (Johnson, Aschkenasy, Herbers, & Gillenwater, 1996).…”