By Nick Hudd

As is the case in many other parts of the world, youth homelessness is a growing concern here in Wales, making the need for effective interventions ever more critical. With the youth work sector being given a more prominent role by Welsh Government in this regard, a clear framework of support and interventions has emerged. One of the strategies employed to help avert youth homelessness is the delivery of Independent Living Skills (ILS) programmes, co designed and facilitated in partnership with those who have first-hand experience, in contemporary society, of the challenges faced when making the transition from dependence to independence. These programmes have quickly become an essential tool in aiding the journey into adulthood, equipping young people with the skills necessary to manage their finances, find and maintain appropriate accommodation, access support services, and build personal resilience. However, as has been an age-old issue in youth work practice, measuring the effectiveness sometimes proves difficult, but is crucial to ensure that they are truly helping young people.

What is self-efficacy?

Self-efficacy, a term coined by psychologist Albert Bandura, refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to achieve specific goals or manage situations effectively. It is a key factor in an individual’s personal development, as it influences motivation and resilience. In the context of independent living, self-efficacy can refer to a young person's confidence in their own ability to manage key life skills such as budgeting, cooking, applying for jobs, or navigating the housing market, and related support services.

For young people who have experienced some of the main contributing factors of homelessness such as family breakdown, abuse, or mental health issues, building a strong self-efficacy can be instrumental in helping them take control of their lives and avoid homelessness. As a result, measuring self-efficacy can provide a valuable insight into how well skills development programmes are supporting a young person’s growth and development in these areas.

Self-efficacy questionnaires

Self-efficacy questionnaires are structured tools used to assess an individual’s confidence in their ability to perform a range of tasks or achieve specific goals. These questionnaires can measure various domains of self-efficacy such as emotional regulation or interpersonal skills. By utilising these tools, youth workers can track how young people perceive their own abilities over time.

1. Tracking progress over time: Self-efficacy questionnaires can be constructive tools for tracking a young person's progress throughout an ILS programme. By administering the questionnaire at the start, mid-point, and end of the programme, youth workers can compare scores to assess improvements in self-efficacy. For instance, if a young person reports greater confidence in problem solving or negotiating with others by the end of the programme, this can be considered a success.
2. Tailoring interventions to individual needs: Self-efficacy questionnaires can also help youth workers identify areas where specific young people may require additional support. If a questionnaire reveals that a participant feels less confident in specific areas, youth workers can tailor interventions to address these areas more effectively. This approach ensures that the ILS programme meets the unique needs of each participant.
3. Fostering personal reflection: Using self-efficacy questionnaires encourages young people to reflect on their own abilities and progress. This self-reflection is an important component of personal development as it allows them to assess their own strengths and challenges. Increased awareness of their own self-efficacy can motivate young people to take proactive steps toward their goals and targets.

The relationship between self-efficacy and youth homelessness prevention

The relationship between self-efficacy and youth homelessness prevention is well-established. Young people with low self-efficacy may struggle with independence and may be more likely to experience homelessness due to challenges in managing day-to-day life. For example, they may lack the confidence to seek help when needed, or, may face difficulties in managing a rental agreement or maintaining a job. On the other hand, those with high self-efficacy are more likely to engage with support services, implement any independent skills training, and maintain stable living situations. By measuring, proactively improving, and tracking self-efficacy, ILS programmes can provide young people with the belief that they can succeed in independent living environments, which in turn, helps to avert homelessness.

While self-efficacy questionnaires can be a powerful tool in measuring the success of ILS programmes, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• cultural and social sensitivity: Self-efficacy can be influenced by a range of factors, including cultural background, social environment, and previous experiences. It is important that youth workers consider these factors when interpreting questionnaire results, ensuring that they do not misinterpret a young person's responses based solely on their background or circumstances.
• questionnaire design: It is essential that the self-efficacy questionnaires used are carefully designed to reflect the specific challenges faced by young people at risk of homelessness. The questions must be clear, relevant, and age-appropriate to ensure accurate results.
• youth engagement: Some young people may be hesitant to participate in self-efficacy assessments, especially if they feel their responses will be judged. It is important for youth workers to create a safe, supportive environment where young people feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and experiences.

Conclusion

Self-efficacy questionnaires offer a valuable method for assessing the effectiveness of independent living skills programmes aimed at preventing youth homelessness in Wales. By measuring changes in a young person’s confidence across key domains such as housing management, financial independence, and emotional resilience, these tools provide vital insights into the success of interventions. By using self-efficacy questionnaires in combination with tailored support and targeted interventions, youth workers can empower young people to develop the confidence they need to live independently and avoid the risk of homelessness.

Ultimately, these tools play a critical role in breaking the cycle of homelessness and supporting young people in building bright, independent futures.