University of New Hampshire
McNair Scholar, 2022
Major: Social Work
Mentor: Dr. Tarkington Newman
Research Title: Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Exploring Interpersonal Skills Development and Transfer
Abstract:
Youth experiencing homelessness are one of the most socially vulnerable populations in the United States and the prevalence is on the rise. Youth are at a developmental period in which life skills are developed. Life skills are intra- and interpersonal skills that allow youth to navigate the challenges and stress of everyday life. To promote the healthy development of youth, positive youth development (PYD) has been adopted by professionals in which life skill development and transfer is the chief outcome. PYD is an approach that aims to promote the health and well-being of youth. Given youth experiencing homelessness tend to have limited opportunities and resources to develop life skills, PYD can be used to consider the life skill development of youth
with a strengths-based perspective. Interpersonal skills are transferred into everyday life through interactions with others and maintaining relationships. Given that social support is a protective factor that promotes positive well-being, interpersonal skills are particularly valuable to youth experiencing homelessness. Through qualitative one-on-one interviews grounded in the Life Skills Transfer Model, interpersonal life skills of approximately 12 homeless youth in New Hampshire will be explored. Specifically, the specific interpersonal life skills homeless youth are developing, the contexts in which youth are developing them, and how they are transferred into everyday life will be explored. Studying the development and transfer of interpersonal life skills of homeless youth has implications for understanding gaps in life skill development and transfer, and implications for improving policy and programs to promote the healthy development of youth. For example, programs working with homeless youth could include opportunities in which they can develop life skills that the youth currently lack.
