Navigating life on social assistance
People who rely on long-term social assistance often face difficult and complex life circumstances. Yet, those who need support the most do not always receive the help that fits their situation. This dissertation examines how people experience living on social assistance, the challenges they encounter in daily life, and whether a group intervention focused on strengthening personal agency and well-being can make a difference.
The research findings show that stigma plays a major role in the lives of social assistance recipients. Negative stereotypes are experienced in many settings, both in public and private life. Over time, many people begin to internalize these negative views, leading to feelings of shame and reduced self-worth. The research also demonstrates that it is often the combination of existing problems and new challenges related to receiving benefits that creates a cycle of adversity which negatively affects well-being and contribute to stress, loneliness, stigma, and harmful coping behaviors.
At the same time, the dissertation highlights a promising approach. The Self-Management of Well-being intervention was found to be both feasible and effective for this target group. Participants reported improvements in well-being and self-management skills, while feelings of loneliness and stress decreased. However, the research also implies that real and lasting change cannot rely on individual support alone. Improving the lives of social assistance recipients also requires broader societal changes, including policy reforms, a more inclusive labor market, and greater efforts to challenge persistent stigma surrounding social assistance.