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The Relationship between Sense of Belonging and Well-Being Outcomes in Emerging Adults with Care Experience

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  • Amanda Hiles Howard

    (Department of Psychology, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Homewood, AL 35229, USA)

  • Getrude Dadirai Gwenzi

    (Department of Social Work, University of Zimbabwe, 630 Churchill Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe)

  • Lindsey Newsom

    (Department of Psychology, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Homewood, AL 35229, USA)

  • Belay T. Gebru

    (Hope for the Fatherless, 558 Castle Pines Parkway, Castle Pines, CO 80108, USA)

  • Nicole Gilbertson Wilke

    (CAFO Center on Applied Research for Vulnerable Children and Families, 505 Los Arces Monteflor II Cayma, Arequipa, Peru)

Abstract

Robust social resources that lead to a healthy sense of belonging are imperative during emerging adulthood. However, young adults with alternative care experience, such as residential or foster care, often lack the social resources necessary to transition to adulthood successfully. Though some research has examined the importance of social resources in this population, less is known about a sense of belonging, which is associated with these social resources. The current study examined the association between care experience, belonging, and well-being outcomes among emerging adults (n = 703) who were separated from their biological parents during care and received alternative care in 16 nations. The presence of belonging was associated with type of alternative care, age at separation, and reason for separation. There was also an association between belonging and well-being outcomes, including homelessness and suicidal ideation. Adults lacking a sense of belonging reported higher rates of homelessness and suicidal ideation, lower life satisfaction, and lower resilience. The study has global implications for enhancing social support for emerging adults with care experience in order to facilitate a sense of belonging as a social resource.

Suggested Citation

  • Amanda Hiles Howard & Getrude Dadirai Gwenzi & Lindsey Newsom & Belay T. Gebru & Nicole Gilbertson Wilke, 2023. "The Relationship between Sense of Belonging and Well-Being Outcomes in Emerging Adults with Care Experience," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-12, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:13:p:6311-:d:1188687
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sulimani-Aidan, Yafit, 2020. "Social networks during the transition to adulthood from the perspective of Israeli care leavers and their social workers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    2. Mercedes Gómez-López & Carmen Viejo & Rosario Ortega-Ruiz, 2019. "Well-Being and Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-31, July.
    3. Alessandro Germani & Livia Buratta & Elisa Delvecchio & Claudia Mazzeschi, 2020. "Emerging Adults and COVID-19: The Role of Individualism-Collectivism on Perceived Risks and Psychological Maladjustment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-15, May.
    4. Refaeli, Tehila & Benbenishty, Rami & Zeira, Anat, 2019. "Predictors of life satisfaction among care leavers: A mixed-method longitudinal study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 146-155.
    5. Sulimani-Aidan, Yafit & Tayri-Schwartz, Talia, 2021. "The role of natural mentoring and sense of belonging in enhancing resilience among youth in care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
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