Examining the relationship between psychological well-being and the need for continued public assistance benefits

This study focuses on examining the mediating affect that psychological well-being may have on the use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the cash relief program under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. A stratified random sample of individuals in receipt of TANF volunteered to complete a comprehensive survey measuring their psychological well-being. Twelve months later, an unobtrusive check of their TANF status was conducted, and the psychological well-being of individuals still in receipt of TANF was compared with individuals who had stopped receiving benefits. The data reveal that a person's psychological well-being, with the exception of self-efficacy, is not a good predictor of TANF termination. The conclusions suggest other factors as likely contributors to TANF termination.