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Social Support Networks and the Mental Health of Runaway and Homeless Youth

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  • Eric R. Wright

    (Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 5020, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA)

  • Brandon K. Attell

    (Georgia Health Policy Center, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 3992, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA)

  • Erin Ruel

    (Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 5020, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA)

Abstract

In response to growing concerns about the rising number of runaway and homeless youth (RHY) in the U.S., researchers have sought to improve the scientific understanding of health and mental health needs, as well as the social resources available to these youths. In this paper, we examine the relationship between personal support network resources and the mental health status of a sample of RHY (N = 693) surveyed in metro-Atlanta, Georgia. The results suggest that having more supportive network ties reduces the risk of youth experiencing significant symptoms of a severe mental illness. We also find that older youth and youth who have been homeless for six months or longer have fewer personal support network resources. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our findings for future research and services for this exceptionally vulnerable population.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric R. Wright & Brandon K. Attell & Erin Ruel, 2017. "Social Support Networks and the Mental Health of Runaway and Homeless Youth," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:6:y:2017:i:4:p:117-:d:113680
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Holtschneider, Casey, 2016. "A part of something: The importance of transitional living programs within a Housing First framework for youth experiencing homelessness," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 204-215.
    2. Irwin, Jay & LaGory, Mark & Ritchey, Ferris & Fitzpatrick, Kevin, 2008. "Social assets and mental distress among the homeless: Exploring the roles of social support and other forms of social capital on depression," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(12), pages 1935-1943, December.
    3. Snyder, Susan M. & Hartinger-Saunders, Robin & Brezina, Timothy & Beck, Elizabeth & Wright, Eric R. & Forge, Nicholas & Bride, Brian E., 2016. "Homeless youth, strain, and justice system involvement: An application of general strain theory," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 90-96.
    4. Amy Dworsky & Keri-Nicole Dillman & M. Robin Dion & Brandon Coffee-Borden & Miriam Rosenau, 2012. "Housing for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care: A Review of the Literature and Program Typology," Mathematica Policy Research Reports 99170b3efe3c4d9091a187b17, Mathematica Policy Research.
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    Cited by:

    1. Monica H. Swahn & Rachel Culbreth & Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye & Volkan Topalli & Eric Wright & Rogers Kasirye, 2018. "Problem Drinking, Alcohol-Related Violence, and Homelessness among Youth Living in the Slums of Kampala, Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-13, May.
    2. Curtis Smith & Ernesto Castañeda, 2020. "Sick Enough? Mental Illness and Service Eligibility for Homeless Individuals at the Border," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-23, August.

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