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Youth in out-of-home care: Relation of engagement in structured group activities with social and mental health measures

Author

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  • Conn, Anne-Marie
  • Calais, Chante
  • Szilagyi, Moira
  • Baldwin, Constance
  • Jee, Sandra H.

Abstract

Prior research suggests that for youth in the general population, involvement in activities improves academic, health and social outcomes, but the impact of these activities on youth in out-of-home care is unknown. This study examines, among youth in foster, formal kinship, and residential care, associations between involvement in structured and unstructured activities and social and mental health measures. Among 134 youth in out-of-home care, only 40% were involved in structured activities, and racial/ethnic minorities and males were even less likely to participate (p≤0.01). More youth reported involvement in general physical activity (76%), which was associated with higher social skills when compared to those not involved in such unstructured activity (b=−10.4; 95% C.I.=−18.22, −2.65, p=0.09). Youth not involved in structured activities showed poorer performance on measures of loneliness (b=5.6; 95% C.I.=1.63, 9.47, p=.006), drug abuse (b=0.95; 95% C.I.=0.31, 1.59, p=.004), and depression (b=3.5; 95% C.I.=.25, 6.76, p=0.04). Participation in activities, particularly when structured, may help these vulnerable youth to achieve better social relationships and mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Conn, Anne-Marie & Calais, Chante & Szilagyi, Moira & Baldwin, Constance & Jee, Sandra H., 2014. "Youth in out-of-home care: Relation of engagement in structured group activities with social and mental health measures," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 201-205.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:36:y:2014:i:c:p:201-205
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2013.11.014
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Farineau, Heather M. & McWey, Lenore M., 2011. "The relationship between extracurricular activities and delinquency of adolescents in foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 963-968, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wilson, Brendan & Barnett, Lisa M., 2020. "Physical activity interventions to improve the health of children and adolescents in out of home care – A systematic review of the literature," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    2. Lee, Woon Kyung & Joo, Young Sun, 2020. "Adolescent extracurricular activity participation: Associations with parenting stress, mother–adolescent closeness, and social skills," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).
    3. McLean, Lavinia & Penco, Rebecca, 2020. "Physical activity: Exploring the barriers and facilitators for the engagement of young people in residential care in Ireland," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    4. Bruce, Lauren & Pizzirani, Bengianni & Green (nee Cox), Rachael & Quarmby, Thomas & O'Donnell, Renée & Strickland, David & Skouteris, Helen, 2019. "Physical activity engagement among young people living in the care system: A narrative review of the literature," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 218-225.

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    1. Bruce, Lauren & Pizzirani, Bengianni & Green (nee Cox), Rachael & Quarmby, Thomas & O'Donnell, Renée & Strickland, David & Skouteris, Helen, 2019. "Physical activity engagement among young people living in the care system: A narrative review of the literature," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 218-225.

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