Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Chronic Social Defeat Stress in Early Adolescent Male Mice
Published on: January 24, 2025
Trauma, Family Factors and the Mental Health of Homeless Adolescents
Norweeta G Milburn1, Judith A Stein2, Susana A Lopez1
11Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA.
Abstract:
Family factors, such as poor family functioning and trauma, have been associated with negative outcomes for homeless adolescents. Further study is needed to better understand how family factors and trauma jointly relate to mental health problems and externalizing behaviors among homeless adolescents. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the influence of trauma (encompassing traumatic events experienced prior to, and after, becoming homeless) and family factors (poor family functioning and family conflict) on mental health problems and externalizing behaviors (substance use, delinquent behaviors, and sexual risk) among 201 homeless adolescents, ages 12 to 17 years. Trauma, poor family functioning, and family conflict significantly predicted greater mental health problems, delinquent behaviors, high-risk sexual behaviors and substance use. Overall, the findings suggest that family factors appear to be key to understanding mental health problems and externalizing behaviors among homeless adolescents. Implications, limitations and future directions are addressed.
Related Concept Videos
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Cognitive Development During Adolescence

