NCJ Number
201116
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 42 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2003 Pages: 778-785
Date Published
July 2003
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined differences in the coping styles of homeless and non-homeless males.
Abstract
Previous research has assessed the mental health and behavior problems among homeless youths, however little is known about the role that coping plays in their psychological adjustment. As such, the authors collected self-report data in Ottawa from 100 youths who were found in an emergency shelter. Two comparison groups were similarly assessed; 70 of whom were visiting a local community drop-in center and 54 of whom were high school students who had never been to a shelter or drop-in center. Assessment tools included the COPE Inventory, the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, the Social Support Scale for Children and Adolescents, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Youth Self-Report. Results of hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the homeless youths had a higher prevalence of family dysfunction, school difficulties, suicide attempts, legal problems, and substance use compared to their non-homeless peers. Furthermore, the homeless youths differed from the non-homeless youths on each outcome measure. Homeless youths utilized a disengagement coping style, had a higher negative life events index, perceived less parental support, and reported higher levels of depression. The results indicate that coping style should be explored in greater depth as it seems to be a factor in the prevalence of psychological maladjustment among homeless youths. Tables, references