Relationship Based Intervention

Targeting Relationship-Based Interventions to Support Mental Health & Resilience

Co-Principal Investigators: Elizabeth McCay & Dr. John Langley

Funded by: Ryerson University: Internal SSHRC Grant

In response to the findings of the previous study, our community research team developed an intervention to support positive social networks, as identified, by youth in order to strengthen mental health and resilience. It was determined that an intervention was needed to build on these young people’s strengths and courage demonstrated in their day to day lives. The earlier the intervention the better, since research has demonstrated that the greater the time spent on the street, the greater the likelihood of engaging in very high risk behaviours, such as prostitution and suicide attempts (McCarthy, 1992), as well as the risk of chronic homelessness increases (Goering et al., 2002). Our ultimate goals are to foster a sense that the future belongs to these youth and that they will be able to meet the challenges necessary to achieve a healthy transition to a satisfying and productive adult life. 

The overall objective of this program of research is to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of a six week relationship-based group intervention for street-involved youth. The intervention was designed to develop positive social support networks, as identified by youth, in order to strengthen mental health and resilience.

Currently, we have conducted 3 pilot groups. We have pre- and post-test data on quantitative measures for 9 participants and data analysis is being completed. We are also conducting a content analysis of the group sessions which have been transcribed verbatim a) to assess whether the group leaders adhered to the manual, b) to identify mechanisms of change, and c) to determine the acceptability of the intervention to the participants.

It is expected that the results of this pilot study will support further development of the intervention, as well as a larger study to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. It is anticipated that ultimately positive mental health and social networks will lead to an improved quality of life, consistent with transitioning to healthy adulthood. As one of our participants said,

"Achieving things is going to make me a better person… no matter what obstacle this world is going to throw at me  I am going to get around it, or crawl under it, I don’t care,  I am going to find
a way around it …”
Study Participant

References:

McCarthy, B. & Hagan, J. (1992). Surviving on the Street: The experiences of homeless youth. Journal of Adolescent Research, 7(4), 412-430.

Goering, P., Tolomiczenko, G., Sheldon, T., Boydell, K., & Wasylenki, D. (2002). Characteristics of persons who are homeless for the first time. Psychiatric Services, 53(11), 1472-1474.

Acknowledgements:

We would like to thank Susan Quesnel, MD, FRCPC, Clinical psychiatrist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario for her contribution as a group facilitator. We would like to thank the following graduate students for their contributions to the facilitation of the Relationship-Based Intervention study:

Dawn Pratt, BScN, MN, University of Toronto 
Rebecca Kennedy, BScN, MN, Ryerson University
Andria Aiello, BScN, MN, University of Toronto
We would also like to thank Katie Bowler, BScN(c), Ryerson University for her contributions as a research assistant.