title: A relationship-based intervention to improve social connectedness in street-involved youth: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Street-involved youth experience a range of mental health problems with elevated rates of psychiatric disorders compared with non-homeless youth. The overall objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a relationship-based intervention for homeless youth receiving services from agencies in downtown Toronto.
  
  
  METHODS
  The final sample included 15 homeless youth who met the study inclusion criteria. The intervention and comparison groups were compared at baseline and post-treatment on measures of mental health symptoms, hopelessness, self-esteem, resilience, and social connectedness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants receiving the intervention demonstrated a significant improvement in social connectedness, with a trend toward decreased hopelessness. Those participants who did not receive the intervention did not demonstrate any improvements in social connectedness and hopelessness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This preliminary pilot study suggests that providing a relationship-based intervention to street-involved youth may offer promise to strengthen social relationships and to mitigate overwhelming hopelessness and despair.
authors: Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Ryerson University, Toronto.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: McCay
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Quesnel
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Langley
authors: Heather
authors: H
authors: Beanlands
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Cooper
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Blidner
authors: Andria
authors: A
authors: Aiello
authors: Naomi
authors: N
authors: Mudachi
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Howes
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Bach
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D018453:Homeless Youth / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult