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Self-determination theory as a Framework for understanding needs of youth at-risk: Perspectives of social service professionals and the youth themselves

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  • Nagpaul, Tania
  • Chen, Jinwen

Abstract

While there is evidence from the self-determination perspective for the positive impact of self-determination interventions on at-risk youth's transition outcomes, no research to date, has attempted to understand youth needs from both social service provider and youth client perspectives in the same study. The present study sought to generate a nuanced understanding of youth needs. For this purpose, the study was conducted in two phases. In phase 1, twenty-one social service professionals (case workers, social workers, counsellors, program supervisors) were interviewed to get an understanding of their perception of youth needs and how they are being met. In phase 2, 45 at-risk youths aged between 15 and 25 were interviewed to get an understanding of their perception of their most essential needs and how they are being served or under-served. Participants also completed a short survey on needs satisfaction, life satisfaction and resilience outcomes. Results revealed misalignment between the social service programmes and youths' articulated needs. The findings point towards the importance of considering the specific role of the psychological need for autonomy and relatedness in bridging the gap between service provision and client expectations. Recommendations for intervention researchers and practitioners are proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Nagpaul, Tania & Chen, Jinwen, 2019. "Self-determination theory as a Framework for understanding needs of youth at-risk: Perspectives of social service professionals and the youth themselves," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 328-342.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:99:y:2019:i:c:p:328-342
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.02.015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Spencer, Renée & Drew, Alison L. & Gowdy, Grace & Horn, John Paul, 2018. "“A positive guiding hand”: A qualitative examination of youth-initiated mentoring and the promotion of interdependence among foster care youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 41-50.
    2. Powers, Laurie E. & Fullerton, Ann & Schmidt, Jessica & Geenen, Sarah & Oberweiser-Kennedy, Molly & Dohn, JoAnn & Nelson, May & Iavanditti, Rosemary & Blakeslee, Jennifer, 2018. "Perspectives of youth in foster care on essential ingredients for promoting self-determination and successful transition to adult life: My life model," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 277-286.
    3. Powers, Laurie E. & Geenen, Sarah & Powers, Jennifer & Pommier-Satya, Summer & Turner, Alison & Dalton, Lawrence D. & Drummond, Diann & Swank, Paul, 2012. "My Life: Effects of a longitudinal, randomized study of self-determination enhancement on the transition outcomes of youth in foster care and special education," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(11), pages 2179-2187.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Itzhaki-Braun, Yael & Sulimani-Aidan, Yafit, 2022. "Determination of life satisfaction among young women care leavers from the Ultraorthodox Jewish community," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).

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