Perceived Effects of Participation in an Asset-Building Program on Construction of Future Possibilities

Abstract

Acknowledging the inadequacy of traditional welfare policies in moving households from poverty to economic self-sufficiency, we examine the psychological effects of participating in an asset-building intervention. We use a sample of 840 respondents who were enrolled in a community action program and assess whether or not participating in an Individual Development Account (IDA) program predicts a respondent's construction of future possibilities. Results show support for the hypothesized relationships. Certain respondent characteristics—e.g., age and income—are significantly associated with the dependent variable. These findings may have important implications for social policy. Participating in an IDA program may empower program participants to think and act on future possibilities, influencing their outcomes as well as the overall socioeconomic development of their communities.