Ethnic Differences in Therapy Outcome for Foster Youth

Name

Breniel Q. Lemley, University of San FranciscoFollow
Rosana M. Aguilar, University of San Francisco
Saralyn C. Ruff, University of San Francisco
June Madsen Clausen, University of San Francisco

Major

Psychology

Research Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of relationship-based therapy on a random sample of White and Black foster youth, as reported by semi-structured telephone interviews with their therapists at the start and end of treatment.

Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in reported school problems between Black and White foster youth over the course of treatment, F(1,37) = 7.336, p=0.010. Black foster youth had significantly greater school problems (M=3.21, SD=1.35) compared to White foster youth (M=2.05, SD=1.39) at the start of treatment. Although school problems significantly improved throughout treatment (F(1,37) = 9.531, p=0.004), Black foster youth still had significantly greater school problems (M=2.42, SD=1.09) at the end of treatment.

Limitations of this study include a small sample size, potential bias of therapist informants, and lack of a comparison group. Future research should further examine ethnic differences in treatment outcomes among foster youth.

Faculty Mentor/Advisor

June Madsen Clausen