A shelter-based stress-reduction group intervention targeting self-esteem,social competence, and behavior problems among homeless children

It has been estimated that families with children now account for 40% of th e population who become homeless. Given the consistency of research showing the potentially damaging effects Of homelessness as a stressor upon the so cial and emotional development of children, the question of importance is h ow to best intervene to reduce the likelihood or severity of such possible negative consequences. The approach taken here involved the development of a Shelter-Based Stress-Reduction Group Intervention Targeting Self-Esteem a nd Behavior Problems Among Homeless Children. Data were collected on 52 ele mentary-school-age children from family-shelter facilities in Central Flori da. The child's level of psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Co opersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI) and Achenbach's Child Behavior Check -list (CBCL). Although the repeated measures ANOVA techniques applied to th ose subjects were nonsignificant, the relatively small sample size in study conditions led to consideration of the magnitude of effect sizes obtained in treatment and comparison groups. The changes in the intervention group's mean scores on key psychosocial outcome variables of interest were consist ent with hypotheses, providing suggestive evidence of the potential utility of stress management training.