| Homelessness continues to be a major social problem, affecting children, youth, and adults. The effects of homelessness can be serious, with homeless adolescents reporting far more symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol and drug abuse when compared to normative samples. In addition, the family environment to which homeless youth are exposed is often laden with conflict, abuse, parental rejection, and openly hostile behaviors. When compared to other at-risk youth, however, results have been inconsistent. This study seeks to understand psychological distress and the role of family environment and changes in housing status in a sample of homeless and at-risk, housed youth from a major metropolitan city. Over a seven year period, poor family cohesion and episodes of homelessness were associated with poorer outcomes and a non-linear trajectory of mental health problems. Effects of gender and parental psychiatric treatment, in addition to implications for intervention are discussed. |
