A national study suggests that Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World results in positive psychosocial changes for participants from poverty. These changes may empower them to overcome obstacles that keep them from moving out of poverty.

The study found increases for participants in the following areas:

  • Mental health
  • Social support
  • Hope
  • Goal-directed behavior
  • Planning
  • Knowledge about poverty

Additionally, their stress levels decreased.

“These changes could be quite powerful in the long run for people who are often at the bottom of the social and economic ladder,” said Elizabeth A. Wahler, the researcher who conducted the study.

Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Wahler and Phil DeVol present a detailed view of the study results.