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Childhood adversity, sense of belonging and psychosocial outcomes in emerging adulthood: A test of mediated pathways

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  • Corrales, Tatiana
  • Waterford, Michelle
  • Goodwin-Smith, Ian
  • Wood, Leanne
  • Yourell, Todd
  • Ho, Coco

Abstract

Childhood adversity is a complex issue with the potential for lasting effects over the developmental trajectory. Research has confirmed that people who experience significant adversity, hardship and trauma in early stages of development are at an increased risk of a range of negative outcomes at later stages of the life-course, including increased psychological distress and dysfunction, decreased likelihood of educational engagement and an increased risk of early parenthood. However, distal events exert their influence on later outcomes through various proximal mechanisms. One such postulated mechanism is a sense of belonging. This study investigated the role of sense of belonging as a mediator between experiences of adversity in childhood and psychosocial outcomes in emerging adulthood, amongst a sample of 254 young people receiving a range of social services throughout Australia. Results of three mediation analyses confirm that the path from childhood adversity to psychological distress and educational engagement is only weakly mediated by sense of belonging. No other statistically significant relationships were found. These results indicate that additional mediators are likely needed to more fully explain the effects of childhood adversity on psychosocial functioning in emerging adulthood. The paper concludes with a discussion of the relevance of belonging for practice in the field of child and youth welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • Corrales, Tatiana & Waterford, Michelle & Goodwin-Smith, Ian & Wood, Leanne & Yourell, Todd & Ho, Coco, 2016. "Childhood adversity, sense of belonging and psychosocial outcomes in emerging adulthood: A test of mediated pathways," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 110-119.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:63:y:2016:i:c:p:110-119
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.02.021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Noble-Carr, Debbie & Barker, Justin & McArthur, Morag & Woodman, Elise, 2014. "Improving practice: The importance of connections in establishing positive identity and meaning in the lives of vulnerable young people," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(P3), pages 389-396.
    2. Samuels, Gina Miranda & Pryce, Julia M., 2008. ""What doesn't kill you makes you stronger": Survivalist self-reliance as resilience and risk among young adults aging out of foster care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(10), pages 1198-1210, October.
    3. Hiles, Dominic & Moss, Duncan & Thorne, Lisa & Wright, John & Dallos, Rudi, 2014. "“So what am I?” — Multiple perspectives on young people's experience of leaving care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1-15.
    4. Hook, Jennifer L. & Courtney, Mark E., 2011. "Employment outcomes of former foster youth as young adults: The importance of human, personal, and social capital," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(10), pages 1855-1865, October.
    5. Dworsky, Amy & Courtney, Mark E., 2010. "The risk of teenage pregnancy among transitioning foster youth: Implications for extending state care beyond age 18," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(10), pages 1351-1356, October.
    6. Schilling, Elizabeth A. & Aseltine, Robert H. & Gore, Susan, 2008. "The impact of cumulative childhood adversity on young adult mental health: Measures, models, and interpretations," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 66(5), pages 1140-1151, March.
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    1. Wojciak, Armeda Stevenson & VanMeter, Faith & Waid, Jeffrey, 2024. "Belonging mediates changes to resilience among separated siblings at camp-based reunification intervention," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    2. Schneiderman, Janet U. & Davis, Jordan P. & Negriff, Sonya, 2021. "Associations between psychosocial functioning and physical health in youth with maltreatment experiences," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).

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