Resilience and Support Networks of Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Public Health
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Homelessness affects millions of young adults annually in the U.S.
• Support networks are linked to enhanced resilience and mental health in general youth populations.
• Limited research exists on the support networks of youth experiencing homelessness (YEH).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relationship between resilience and support network characteristics among YEH.
• To explore how support networks may moderate adverse outcomes for YEH.
• To identify specific support member characteristics associated with resilience in YEH.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of baseline data from a housing intervention for YEH (N=240).
• Evaluation of support network characteristics (member type, contact frequency, quality of help, risk behaviors, network size) and their association with resilience.
• Use of ordered probit models to identify member characteristics linked to higher quality of help.

Main Results:

• 17% of YEH were highly resilient, 56% normal, and 27% low resilience.
• Lower resilience was associated with less frequent contact with parents, family, and friends.
• Seeking help from support members with alcohol abuse predicted 20% less relief.

Conclusions:

• YEH with lower resilience reported less network contact and lower perceived help quality.
• Understanding the interplay between support relationships and resilience is vital for interventions.
• Strengthening protective factors requires targeted support for YEH.