Patterns of Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Transitional-Age Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Cluster Analysis

Transitional-age youth experiencing homelessness (TAY-EH) represent a high-risk population with substantial exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and high rates of morbidity and mortality. The current study uses a person-centered analytical approach to identify patterns of ACEs among TAY-EH and inform more nuanced characterizations of this vulnerable group. Participants were aged 16-25 years accessing support at a psychosocial agency in Boston, Massachusetts. Data were gathered via structured assessment. Hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis identified subgroups of TAY-EH with differing ACE exposures. Within the sample of 138 TAY-EH, three unique clusters of ACE exposures were identified: two high-occurrence groups (one also endorsing sexual abuse and one not), and one lower-occurrence group. Clusters differed significantly on several variables including gender identity, sexuality, and suicidality. The ways in which trauma phenotypes inform treatment access, utilization patterns, and functional outcomes should be high-priority areas for ongoing research in TAY-EH and related marginalized youth populations.