Journal of Student Research 2023

Exploring Family Dynamics, Mental Health, and Well-Being Among College Students... 19 Exploring Family Dynamics, Mental Health, and Well-Being Among College Students with Foster Care Histories

Heather Dickrell 1 Senior, Human Development and Family Studies Advisor: Dr. Candice Maier

Abstract The impact of a foster family environment on mental health and well-being has been studied; however, less is known regarding the experiences of foster youth who have transitioned out of foster care and are now pursuing post-secondary education. This study aimed to explore the experiences of college students with foster care histories, specifically their foster family environment, mental health and well-being. Using a Qualtrics survey, we gathered data from 56 former foster youth from the United States. Results demonstrated an array of experiences surrounding foster family support, dynamics, and mental health. Overall, we found that our sample reported more mild symptoms of anxiety compared to more severe levels which are often found in other research with this population. Suggestions for future research are discussed. to post-secondary education for former foster youth. Although research has been conducted on these variables (Chateauneuf et al., 2017; Havlicek et al., 2012; Miller et al., 2020), limited research has looked at these constructs among former foster youth who are in college or are transitioning to college. Foster care youth are particularly at high risk of mental and physical health problems (Havlicek et al., 2013; Stone & Jackson, 2021), learning and education barriers (Piel, 2018), and risk of sex trafficking (Selig, 2018). Additionally, disproportionate placement of foster youth of color has been a long-standing issue within child welfare (Cross, 2008). Studies have shown that foster youth who pursue education after high school and achieve academic success need additional support at the individual, family, and community levels during this time (Franco & Durdella, 2018; Hines et al., 2005; Miller et al., 2020). Previous studies have documented attachment styles of college students attending four-year universities with foster care histories (Okpych & Gray, 2021) and evaluated the impact of policy and programming on the transition to adulthood for foster youth (Geiger & Okpych, 2022; Okpych & Courtney, 2020). However, few studies have explored the perceptions of former foster youth who have transitioned Keywords: foster college youth, family dynamics, mental health, well-being Introduction Family dynamics and mental health are crucial elements in the transition

1 Heather Dickrell is a McNair Scholar. Ms. Dickrell also is a recipient of a student research grant from UW-Stout’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, funded by the Stout University Foundation (Editor).