Stability and change in subjective quality of life of adolescents in secure residential care

Abstract

Subjective quality of life (QoL) is an outcome measure often used in the field of psychiatry. While upcoming strength-based rehabilitation theories place strong emphasis on subjective QoL, it has hardly ever been investigated in adolescents with severe psychiatric problems who are admitted to secure residential care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the stability and change of subjective QoL of adolescents with severe psychiatric problems. Additionally, the effect of discharge and re-entering society on subjective QoL was studied. In a four-wave longitudinal study, the subjective QoL of 172 male adolescents with severe psychiatric problems was examined. Five subjective QoL domains remained stable over time, while five other domains changed. A decrease in satisfaction with family relations and social participation was observed for discharged adolescents. These results warrant for continuing guidance of adolescents in order for them to positively adapt to a new life outside secure residential care.

Predicting quality of life during and post detention in incarcerated juveniles

“…This is in accordance with the findings of an earlier study in a mixed sample of juveniles from youth residential care and juvenile justice institutions. Discharged juveniles reported greater satisfaction on most domains of QoL compared to juveniles who were still admitted [ 27 ]. Also in line with two previous studies [ 6 , 27 ] is the finding that the observed QoL scores were moderately high.…”

“…QoL scores were moderately high 1 year post release [ 6 ]. Furthermore, although QoL was higher for released individuals compared to those still admitted, release negatively affected satisfaction with family relations, social participation, and finances [ 27 ]. Therefore, release from a secure juvenile institution could be seen as a life event that might affect QoL [ 27 ].…”

Exploration of Coping Strategies of Youth Accessing Residential and Day Treatment Programs

“…A composite of active, passive/depressive and risky coping strategies were computed with mean scores. In previous research with adolescents (Barendregt et al 2015), depressive responses such as crying were categorized as passive. Regression analysis was used to explore the association between active, passive and risky coping with psychological difficulty while controlling for gender.…”

“…The limited studies that were exclusively focused on at-risk adolescent populations with EBD bolsters the rationale for exploring coping strategies youth employ during residential care and the relationship between coping and well-being (Barendregt et al 2015;Carver et al 1993;Greve et al 2001). The exact nature of the relationship between psychopathology and problem-focused strategies (effortful strategies) is unclear.…”

“…Notably, the disadvantaged background experienced by these youth may have thwarted their acquisition of successful coping strategies or influenced their propensity for strategies that exacerbate the source of stress. Additionally, disadvantaged youth with severe EBD who are admitted to residential treatment centers may also have to deal with the stress that is provoked by the admission to a new and restrictive environment (Barendregt et al 2015). Though it is common for families to experience stress, the development of coping strategies is complex.…”