Transitioning out of foster care: the co-development of adolescents’ coping, depressive symptoms, and intrapersonal and interpersonal resources

Abstract

Adolescents in foster care are confronted with unique challenges, making their transition to adulthood difficult. Drawing on a lifespan model of coping proposed by Taylor and Stanton (2007), the present study assesses the co-development of coping, depressive symptoms, and intrapersonal (optimism, self-esteem, perceived control) and interpersonal resources (relationship quality with biological parent, sibling, peers, and mentors) among a random sample of older adolescents in foster care. Data were drawn from a three-year longitudinal study of adolescents in foster care (T1 n = 188; M_age = 17.4 years), with results indicating significant concurrent and longitudinal associations among coping strategies, depressive symptoms, and intrapersonal and interpersonal resources. Our findings provide insight into the processes of coping among adolescents transitioning out of foster care.