The predictors of perceived social support among former foster youth |
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| Institution: | 1. University of Missouri, School of Social Work, 705 Clark Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;2. Indiana University School of Social Work, 902 W. New York Street, ES 4138, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;3. University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, School of Social Work, 685 Baldy Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA;1. Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA;2. Department of Human Services, California State University, Fullerton, USA;1. School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, 969 East 60th Street, USA;2. MDRC, 19th Floor, 16 East 34 Street, New York, NY 10016-4326, USA;1. Canadian Institutes of Health Research Applied Chair in Reproductive, Child and Youth Health Services and Policy Research, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, Helen Glass Centre for Nursing, 89 Curry Place, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada;2. Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, Helen Glass Centre for Nursing, 89 Curry Place, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada |
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| Abstract: | Based on a 5-wave panel survey of 732 foster youth, the current study examined the respective relationships between foster youths' individual characteristics, youths' social connections with individuals and formal institutions, and the development of perceived social support across the transition to adulthood. Several youth characteristics – including self-reported delinquency and attachment insecurity – were found to be statistically significantly associated with perceived social support. Attachment insecurity also appeared to mediate the relationships between social support and several other youth-level characteristics, including prior placement disruptions and placement with relatives. Social connections with different types of individuals – including caregivers, relatives, natural mentors, and romantic partners – were found to be associated with additive increases in perceived social support. However, some types of connections (e.g., romantic partners, natural mentors) appeared to be associated with much larger increases in social support than other connections (e.g., school or employment). Collectively, the findings help inform agencies' efforts to bolster foster youths' social connections as they transition to adulthood. |
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| Keywords: | Foster youth Social support Developmental assets Social connections Closeness with relative Romantic relationship Mentoring Neighborhood connectedness |
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