The effect of community-based empowerment program for young adults on social networks, sense of community, and subjective well-being

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of community-based empowerment program for young adults on their social networks, sense of community, and subjective well-being. A mixed-methods approach was used to answer the research questions. A difference-in-differences design was applied to analyze survey data of 635 cases collected in 2019 and 2021. A qualitative study was based on 15 in-depth interviews of program participants and a focus group of staff in various community-based agencies. The results of a difference-in-differences method demonstrate that program has significantly increased young adults’ sense of community and subjective well-being. The effect was greater for those residing in the community where the program was implemented than those commuting from nearby communities. Qualitative analyses of in-depth interviews show that program participation has contributed to enriching young adults’ social networks, increasing affection and the sense of belonging to the community, and strengthening community empowerment. Policy and practice implications of the findings were discussed