A Shelter-Based Stress-Reduction Group Intervention Targeting Self-Esteem, Social Competence, and Behavior Problems Among Homeless Children¹

1 Revised version of a paper presented at the 1999 meeting of the American Public Health Association, Chicago.

Abstract

It has been estimated that families with children now account for 40% of the population who become homeless. Given the consistency of research showing the potentially damaging effects of homelessness as a stressor upon the social and emotional development of children, the question of importance is how to best intervene to reduce the likelihood or severity of such possible negative consequences. The approach taken here involved the development of a Shelter-Based Stress-Reduction Group Intervention Targeting Self-Esteem and Behavior Problems Among Homeless Children. Data were collected on 52 elementary-schoolage children from family-shelter facilities in Central Florida. The child’s level of psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI) and Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Although the repeated measures ANOVA techniques applied to those subjects were nonsignificant, the relatively small sample size in study conditions led to consideration of the magnitude of effect sizes obtained in treatment and comparison groups. The changes in the intervention group’s mean scores on key psychosocial outcome variables of interest were consistent with hypotheses, providing suggestive evidence of the potential utility of stress management training.

Key Words:

• Homelessness
• Children
• Stress
• Small Groups
• Research

Notes

1 Revised version of a paper presented at the 1999 meeting of the American Public Health Association, Chicago.