Youths in out-of-home or foster care are at higher risk of mental health problems, dropping out of school, homelessness, unemployment, and teenage pregnancy. Research with adolescents suggests that a stronger future orientation may be related to more positive education, employment, and mental health outcomes.
Interviews with 168 youths, age 15-18 years, were conducted with participants in independent living programs. Respondents were 51% male, 56% African American 32.7% Caucasian, 11.3% biracial or other, and experiencing a variety of school instabilities and problems. Baseline data shows variation in the of future orientation of youths, measured by a reliable 12-item scale (alpha=.70). 42% of youths never expected things to go their way, and 82% were most concerned about the present.
Brighter future orientation was associated with school seniority and not with or school instability. Youth with mental health problems (CBCL) had weaker future orientation. Substance use by youth and/or their peers was associated with weaker future orientation. Those youth who felt effective at HIV prevention and did not intend to put themselves at risk of HIV had a stronger future orientation. In multivariate models, future orientation was higher among youth who have confidence about achieving their goals, enjoy fewer behavioral problems, feel effective and empowered to prevent HIV transmission, and have sober peers. This research suggests that stronger future aspirations are linked with responsible present behaviors among youth.
Youth in foster care can benefit from Independent Living Programs that include content to develop their plans and future aspirations.
Learning Objectives: This presentation will help attendees to understand the future orientation of youth in foster care, to statistically describe and explain variations in this variable, and to relate health attitudes and behaviors to the goals and aspirations of young people
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.