Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Toward a needs-based typology of homeless youth
1Sociology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, Geogia 30322, USA. coward@emory.edu
Purpose:
Research on homeless youth consistently suggests a need for a broad matrix of services to facilitate a successful transition into housed society. This paper seeks to develop distinct matrices of services for youth according to their involvement in, or experience with, high-risk factors. Such a typology may increase the ability of providers to maximize the impact of scarce resources and organize treatment and reintegration efforts to match the needs of vulnerable youth.
Methods:
Seven risk categories were identified in the literature: abusive experiences, involvement in prostitution, involvement in criminal activities, suicidal ideation/attempt, living circumstances, alcohol/marijuana use, and the use of drugs other than alcohol and marijuana. K-means cluster analysis was then used to separate 422 homeless youth based on their involvement in or experience with these categories.
Results:
Four distinct treatment needs were identified: Group 1--minimal treatment; Group 2--therapeutic housing with an emphasis on substance abuse; Group 3--therapeutic housing with an emphasis on behavior management; Group 4--comprehensive treatment.
Conclusions:
According to this typology, less than 18% of this sample are adequately served by the current system of federal intervention, whereas the largest group is in need of comprehensive services to successfully re-enter housed society.
Related Concept Videos
Stereotype Content Model
Maslow's Theory of Basic Human Needs
Physiological needs such as hunger, thirst, sex, physical comfort, and survival are at the bottom of the pyramid. These are the components that are necessary to sustain life. Once the first level of needs has been met, the second level arises.
Safety needs include stability and predictability. Protection and freedom from danger are all a part of...
Maslow's Need Hierarchy Theory
At the pyramid's base are physiological needs, including food, water, and shelter — essentials for...
Importance of Need for Affiliation
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
Fundamental Attribution Error