Citation

McCay E, Langley JD, Beanlands H, Cooper L, Mudachi N, Harris A, Blidner R, Bach K, Dart C, Howes C, Miner S. Can. J. Nurs. Res. 2010; 42(3): 30-49.

Affiliation

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, McGill University School of Nursing, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21086775

Abstract

The social environments and activities of homeless youth frequently create a downward spiral, leading to drug abuse and survival sex as well as self-harm behaviours and suicidality. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to assess the mental health challenges and strengths of street-involved youth. A convenience sample of 70 homeless young people completed a series of standardized questionnaires evaluating mental health symptoms as well as resilience and self-esteem. Two focus groups were also held to capture the perceived mental health needs of street-involved youth. These young people (aged 16-24) were found to have high levels of mental health symptoms compared to other groups of young adults. However, they also exhibited moderately high levels of resilience and self-esteem. Therefore, multi-component mental health programs and interventions that address both strengths and challenges may well help street-involved youth to work towards social re-integration and, ultimately, improved quality of life.

Language: en