The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61697

Mary I. Armstrong, MSW, MBA, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, Univeristy of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Lutz, FL 33549, 813 974-4601, armstron@fmhi.usf.edu and Roger Boothroyd, PhD, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, 13301 North Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612.

This study examined factors differentiating adolescent girls of welfare mothers who are fairing well with those of girls facing more serious challenges. Study Design. This mixed-method study consists of two phases. Phase 1 involved face-to-face interviews with 125 TANF mothers and their daughters to identify what factors are associated with the daughters’ well-being using previously developed and well established measures.The sample was chosen using 2000-2001 Florida Medicaid eligibility data. Analyses of secondary datasets examined the girls’ involvement with social service agencies and mental/physical health services. In Phase 2, comprehensive in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Phase 1 participants. These interviews were open-ended and explored the impact of personal, familial, and environmental factors on these girls’ lives. The research questions guiding both study phases are: How are these adolescent girls doing in terms of health-related issues, academic performance, and social behaviors? What is the prevalence of various risk and protective factors among these adolescent girls and are they associated with these girls current well-being? To what extent is the presence of risk and protective factors associated with these teenage girls’ hopes and aspirations? What supports would be helpful to these adolescent girls in facilitating a successful transition into adulthood, particularly in assisting these girls in becoming economically self-sufficient?

Learning Objectives:

• Participants in this session will learn:
• Information regarding the mental health status and needs of 125 adolescent girls, as reported by their mothers and the adolescents;
• Extent of girls' involvement with health and mental health services, as reported in administrative datasets
• An understanding of the role of risk and protective factors for the adolescents, and their impact on current status and future aspirations

Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Child/Adolescent Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.