Psychology Commons^™

Therapy Outcomes: Difference Between Latino And Non-Latino Foster Youth, Alicia G. Escobedo, Corie E. Schwabenland, Rosana M. Aguilar, Saralyn Ruff

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

Children in foster care experience a range of psychological symptoms due to their experiences with maltreatment. Latinos are a growing population within foster care, reflective of their growing numbers in the United States. Latinos often do not seek out mental health services and many face obstacles related to language, transportation, and lack of family support.

The current study describes treatment parameters of Latino and non-Latino foster youth receiving long-term, pro-bono psychotherapy through a non-profit. Telephone interviews were completed with the youths’ therapists at the start and end of treatment. Among the completed cases, nine were identified as Latino patients. An …

Attachment To Therapist And Treatment Outcome Among Foster Youth, Tzipporah Dang, Rosana M. Aguilar, Saralyn C. Ruff, June Madsen Clausen

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

Compared to non-foster youth, children in foster care are at increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems due to their experienced maltreatment, separation and loss, and foster care system instability. Research with adults has shown that relationship elements, such as alliance in therapy and empathy, are positively associated with patient progress and secure attachment to the therapist. The current study evaluates the impact of Relationship Based Therapy provided to current or former foster youth. Analysis of semi-structured telephone interviews with therapists indicated a significant change in depression, anxiety, aggression or violence as the perpetrator, and problems in relationship with people …

Gender Differences In Foster Youth Who Receive Relationship-Based Therapy, Audrey Rhodes, Rosana Aguilar, Saralyn Ruff, June Madsen Clausen

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

Children placed into the foster care system are at increased risk for behavioral, cognitive, and emotional difficulties as a result of their experienced maltreatment. The current study evaluates the impact of open-ended, relationship-based psychotherapy for a small group of adults who were formerly foster children. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with therapists at the start and end of treatment. Age of patients ranged from 18.14 - 25.09 years (M = 21.11 years; SD = 2.52 years). Results indicate significant decreases in several mental health symptoms by the conclusion of treatment. Obstacles to treatment included transportation issues and resistance from patient.

Ethnic Differences In Therapy Outcome For Foster Youth, Breniel Q. Lemley, Rosana M. Aguilar, Saralyn C. Ruff, June Madsen Clausen

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

This study evaluates the impact of relationship-based therapy on a random sample of White and Black foster youth, as reported by semi-structured telephone interviews with their therapists at the start and end of treatment.

Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in reported school problems between Black and White foster youth over the course of treatment, F(1,37) = 7.336, p=0.010. Black foster youth had significantly greater school problems (M=3.21, SD=1.35) compared to White foster youth (M=2.05, SD=1.39) at the start of treatment. Although school problems significantly improved throughout treatment (F(1,37) = 9.531, p=0.004), Black foster …

Attachment Intervention With Parents And Infants In Early Substance Abuse Recovery, Rosana Aguilar

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

The current study evaluates the impact of a 10-week infant massage intervention program designed to increase attachment between parents in a drug rehabilitation facility and their infants. Parents were interviewed before and after the intervention. Analyses revealed a non-significant decrease in parental stress. Depression scores were essentially the same before and after the intervention. Knowledge of infant development scores revealed non-significant trends demonstrated higher levels of knowledge after the completion of the intervention. Parents who completed the intervention indicated that they learned about infant development, how to understand and soothe their baby, and how to communicate with their baby.

Case Study Of An Art Intervention For Older Foster Youth, Ashley Plushnik, Sarah Morris

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

Fostering Art is a photography intervention for adolescent foster youth. Participants in the evaluation study completed a pretest at the start and a posttest upon completion of the one-year program. Seven participants completed both the pre and posttest in their first year of the program. Data about demographics, general feelings, and expression of feelings, as well as standardized measures of self-esteem and stress were collected.,. Results suggest that alternatives to traditional mental health treatment for older foster youth, such as a photography class, may be an effective method of providing stability and continuity for these vulnerable youth.