Photovoice Award 2024: Transition-Age Youth Connect (TAY-Connect): A Mixed Methods-Exploration of the Relationships Between Social Support and Well-Being Outcomes Among Youth Transitioning from Foster Care

Abstract: The overarching goal of the proposed mixed-methods study is to understand transition-age youths’ (TAY) social supports and their impact on well-being. Specifically, three aims support the purpose of this study. First, this study will quantitatively investigate the relationship between trauma and positive well- being outcomes (i.e., self-compassion and resilience), and the mediating role of social support among TAY. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey (n = 100) the relationships between trauma, social support, self- compassion, and resilience in TAY will be explored. Second, this study will qualitatively explore TAYs’ experiences with creating and maintaining social connections and how these connections have assisted their transition to adulthood. Participants (n = 30) will complete semi-structured interviews discussing their experiences creating and maintaining social connections as they transition from foster care. Third, youth will develop photovoice projects and will generate recommendations for child welfare systems, practitioners, and policies to support youth in creating and maintaining social connections while transitioning from foster care. To actualize this aim, TAY (n = 30) will use photovoice to explore the importance and impact of social support. Youth will then participate in focus groups and will conduct co- analysis of the photovoice projects with research team members to identify themes and recommendations. Study findings will build evidence regarding TAY needs related to social support and the positive impacts of social support on overall well-being outcomes as youth transition from foster care.