Social Connectedness and Self-Esteem: Predictors of Resilience in Mental Health among Maltreated Homeless Youth

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore social connectedness and self-esteem as predictors of resilience among homeless youth with histories of maltreatment. Connectedness variables included family connectedness, school connectedness, and affiliation with prosocial peers. The sample included 150 homeless youth aged 14 to 21 (mean age = 18 years) with the majority being an ethnic minority. Participants completed surveys using audio-CASI. Results revealed that youth with higher levels of social connectedness and self-esteem reported lower levels of psychological distress. When all predictor variables were controlled in the analysis, self-esteem remained significant for predicting better mental health.

Using cell phones for data collection: Benefits, outcomes, and intervention possibilities with homeless youth

“…For example, homeless youth in the current study used the cell phone for developing their social connectedness. Contacting home-based social relationships among homeless youth can lead to positive social support, which is integral to enhancing homeless young people’s sense of well-being and resilience (Dang, 2014). Moreover, prosocial connections can help youth access resources to promote their physical, emotional and financial well-being (Chew Ng et al, 2013).…”

“…Prosocial connectedness can potentially help homeless youth cope with the stressors of street life by bolstering resilience (Dang, 2014), as well as enabling them to access resources that promote their physical, emotional, and financial well-being (Chew Ng, Muth, & Auerswald, 2013). Presently, however, there are clear gaps in the literature for understanding benefits and possibilities of cell phone data collection for homeless youth.…”

Mobile Phone and Social Media Use of Homeless Youth in Denver, Colorado

“…The drop-in sample is representative of those who live on the streets or in precarious housing situations, and the short-term sheltered youth sample is similar to other reported sheltered youth populations outside Colorado (Dang, 2014;Rice et al, 2011Rice et al, , 2012. Also, there was very little missing data in our final sample, mostly due to the use of iPads and RedCap software for data collection, and also after pilot testing the survey for a reasonable time length.…”

Self-representation questionnaire for youths in residential care

“…The few studies with youth under child protection services focus mainly on foster care (e.g. Mosek & Adler, 2001) Although not focused on youth in residential care, some studies indicate that youth with higher levels of self-esteem have lower levels of psychological distress (Dang, 2014), and that self-concept is directly and negatively related to adolescent reports of internalizing and externalizing problems (Hsieh & Stright, 2012;Schwartz et al 2006). Self-representation can function as a protective factor leading to better health and social behavior, acting as a buffer against the impact of negative influences (Mann, Hosman, Schaalma, & Vries, 2004).…”