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Perceptions of Learned Helplessness Among Emerging Adults Aging Out of Foster Care

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Abstract

Emerging adults (18–25) aging out of foster care are more likely than their peers who did not age out to experience poor outcomes. Using content analytic procedures, this study analyzed semi-structured interviews (n = 134) and four focus groups with homeless emerging adults, including a subset that aged out of foster care. Findings indicate participants who aged out reported a perception of learned helplessness. The study explores participants’ perceptions of possible contributors to learned helplessness including systemic causes. Participants discuss concerns that the child welfare system may inhibit youth in the development of self-efficacy, motivation, and the belief that they can affect future events. Recommendations for practice and policy are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

Data used in this study were collected by Texas Network of Youth Services as part of a project designed and directed by Christine Gendron titled “Improving Mental Health Supports for Homeless and Transitioning Youth.” The project was funded by a public policy research grant from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health at the University of Texas. We also acknowledge the young people and staff at community-based youth service agencies who participated in the project, without whom the collection of these data would not have been possible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24th Street, San Antonio, TX, 78207, USA

    Rebecca J. Gomez & Patricia Galán-Cisneros

  2. Northern Arizona University, South San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA

    Tiffany N. Ryan

  3. School of Social Work, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA

    Christine Lynn Norton & Courtney Jones

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  1. Rebecca J. Gomez
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  2. Tiffany N. Ryan
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  4. Courtney Jones
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  5. Patricia Galán-Cisneros
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Correspondence to Rebecca J. Gomez.

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Gomez, R.J., Ryan, T.N., Norton, C.L. et al. Perceptions of Learned Helplessness Among Emerging Adults Aging Out of Foster Care. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 32, 507–516 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-015-0389-1

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