P169 Impact Comparison of a Poverty Simulation On High School and College Students’ Understanding of and Sensitivity Toward Economic Hardship

Abstract

Background For those who have not experienced or been exposed to poverty, its impact can be challenging to comprehend. Providing opportunities that expose college students to these realities can enhance their ability to empathize with future patients and clients. For youth, such opportunities may also expand their familiarity with potential careers and service opportunities related to working with the poor. Objective To evaluate and compare the impact of the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) on perceptions of and sensitivity toward poverty among both high school and college students. Study Design, Setting, Participants High school and college students took part in separate simulations in which participants lived out a “month” as a person living in poverty. Each simulation lasted approximately 1.5 hours. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Pre- and post-tests were used to assess understanding, attitudes, and sensitivity toward individuals experiencing economic hardship. Descriptive statistics were used to describe participants. Mixed model ANOVAs and paired 2 sample t-tests were used to assess changes in variables over the course of the simulation and between the 2 groups. Results A total of 44 high school and 48 college (mean age: 15.3 and 22.0 years, respectively) students participated in the simulations. Overall, improvement in attitudes, sensitivity, and understanding about the challenges facing the poor was detected. Greater gains in awareness of the challenges facing the poor, such as lack of childcare were seen among the high school students. Conclusions Exposure to the challenges of poverty via simulation enhanced students’ understanding of and empathy toward those who experience economic hardship. This simulation was particularly impactful for high school students. Such exposures may increase the likelihood that students pursue helping professions, and those that do will be more empathetic toward those experiencing economic hardship. Funding Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Dean's Grant for Research; Walmart Community Grant.