Strengths of children and adolescents in residential settings: Prevalence and associations with psychopathology and discharge placement

Objective: During the past few years there has been growing interest in developing strength-based approaches to services, particularly for children and adolescents. Method: This study assesses the prevalence of 30 strengths for a random sample of children and adolescents in residential placements in Florida. In addition, the relationship between strengths and clinical and functional characteristics is studied. Results: Results suggest that there is substantial variation across individuals on the presence of strengths and the potential for development. Strengths were associated with symptoms, risk behaviors, and functioning. Level of strengths predicted success in the reduction of risk behaviors during the child/adolescent's stay. In addition, the level of strengths was independently associated with good dispositional outcomes. Conclusions: The findings provide further empirical support for the importance of strengths and the utility of an integrated model that considers both psychopathology and strengths in planning for children's services.