Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Subjective Well-Being Interventions For Homeless Youth In Family Shelters, Kristen Takebayashi

Scripps Senior Theses

Homeless adolescents in families are at a higher risk of developing psychological disorders and having poorer mental health compared to their non-homeless peers due to increased trauma and stress in their environments. Positive psychology research on subjective well-being offers a framework to address mental health and life skill deficits in the homeless youth population. This study proposes a 10-week group intervention program in family shelters that provides constructive activities and reflections focusing on improving well-being, self-esteem, optimism, social relationships, and life skills. After the implementation of these interventions, participants will report increased levels of subjective well-being, self-esteem, optimism, and social …