Satisfaction with life predictors in youngster in vulnerability context in South Brazil

Abstract

Few studies have been conducted on children and adolescents who were removed from their families and live in shelters because they were victims of maltreatment. The goal of this study was to assess the life satisfaction of children and adolescents living in shelters (n=155) compared with those living with their families (n=142), ages 7 to 16 years. Data were collected using a structured interview, Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale, Stressful Events Inventory and the Five Field Map, to assess support network. The institutionalized group had many at-risk characteristics and significantly greater average scores on stressful life events and social support network. Factors that contributed to predicting life satisfaction were stressful life events, social support network, and family conflicts. The findings highlight differences between participants living in shelters compared to those living with their families. This article also discusses the policy implications of these findings for child welfare practice.

Keywords

• Institucionalização
• Satisfação de vida
• Vulnerabilidade