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Improving outcomes in young people experiencing homelessness with My Strengths Training for Life™ (MST4Life™): A qualitative realist evaluation

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  • Parry, Benjamin J.
  • Quinton, Mary L.
  • Holland, Mark J.G.
  • Thompson, Janice L.
  • Cumming, Jennifer

Abstract

Young people experiencing homelessness often have multiple and complex support needs, and subsequently face various health inequalities. In the United Kingdom, housing services recognise the need for more effective intervention strategies. In response to this issue, My Strengths Training for Life™ (MST4Life™) is a community- and outdoors-based, positive youth development programme that aims to promote meaningful change for young people experiencing homelessness (aged 16–24). Capturing the experiences of programme participants, housing service staff and outdoor instructors, a realist evaluation was conducted to understand how, why, and for whom the programme is effective. Findings indicate that MST4Life™ is an effective intervention for fostering psychosocial development, intentional self-regulation, and longer-term positive behavioural change. Central to the success of the programme is a consistent theory-informed approach, a strengths-based life skills programme, and an appropriate transfer setting. The societal, theoretical and programme specific implications of these findings are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Parry, Benjamin J. & Quinton, Mary L. & Holland, Mark J.G. & Thompson, Janice L. & Cumming, Jennifer, 2021. "Improving outcomes in young people experiencing homelessness with My Strengths Training for Life™ (MST4Life™): A qualitative realist evaluation," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:121:y:2021:i:c:s0190740920322155
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105793
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hodgson, K.J. & Shelton, K.H. & Van Den Bree, M.B.M. & Los, F.J., 2013. "Psychopathology in young people experiencing homelessness: A systematic review," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(6), pages 24-37.
    2. Harper, N.J. & Mott, A.J. & Obee, P., 2019. "Client perspectives on wilderness therapy as a component of adolescent residential treatment for problematic substance use and mental health issues," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 1-1.
    3. Slesnick, Natasha & Zhang, Jing & Brakenhoff, Brittany, 2017. "Personal control and service connection as paths to improved mental health and exiting homelessness among severely marginalized homeless youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 121-127.
    4. Morton, Matthew H. & Kugley, Shannon & Epstein, Richard & Farrell, Anne, 2020. "Interventions for youth homelessness: A systematic review of effectiveness studies," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Tidmarsh, Grace & Whiting, Richard & Thompson, Janice L. & Cumming, Jennifer, 2022. "Assessing the fidelity of delivery style of a mental skills training programme for young people experiencing homelessness," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    2. Jennifer Cumming & Fiona J. Clarke & Mark J. G. Holland & Benjamin J. Parry & Mary L. Quinton & Sam J. Cooley, 2022. "A Feasibility Study of the My Strengths Training for Life™ (MST4Life™) Program for Young People Experiencing Homelessness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-17, March.
    3. Mary L. Quinton & Grace Tidmarsh & Benjamin J. Parry & Jennifer Cumming, 2022. "A Kirkpatrick Model Process Evaluation of Reactions and Learning from My Strengths Training for Life™," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-15, September.
    4. Cumming, Jennifer & Whiting, Richard & Parry, Benjamin J. & Clarke, Fiona J. & Holland, Mark J.G. & Cooley, Sam J. & Quinton, Mary L., 2022. "The My Strengths Training for Life™ program: Rationale, logic model, and description of a strengths-based intervention for young people experiencing homelessness," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).

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