Social Support Networks and the Mental Health of Runaway and Homeless Youth

Authors

Eric Wright, Georgia State UniversityFollow
Brandon K. Attell, Georgia State UniversityFollow
Erin Ruel, Georgia State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-29-2017

Abstract

In response to growing concerns about the rising number of runaway and homeless youth (RHY) in the U.S., researchers have sought to improve the scientific understanding of health and mental health needs, as well as the social resources available to these youths. In this paper, we examine the relationship between personal support network resources and the mental health status of a sample of RHY (N = 693) surveyed in metro-Atlanta, Georgia. The results suggest that having more supportive network ties reduces the risk of youth experiencing significant symptoms of a severe mental illness. We also find that older youth and youth who have been homeless for six months or longer have fewer personal support network resources. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our findings for future research and services for this exceptionally vulnerable population.

Comments

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Recommended Citation

Wright, Eric; Attell, Brandon K.; and Ruel, Erin, "Social Support Networks and the Mental Health of Runaway and Homeless Youth" (2017). GHPC Articles. 140.
https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/ghpc_articles/140