Citation

Bender K, Begun S, Durbahn R, Ferguson K, Schau N. Soc. Work Public Health 2018; 33(3): 149-162.

Affiliation

Graduate School of Social Work , University of Denver , Denver , Colorado , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/19371918.2018.1424062

PMID

29377774

Abstract

Although homeless youth face extreme adversities, they are often hesitant to seek help from formal and informal supports. The current study qualitatively explored homeless youths' reasons for coping independently and their strategies for doing so. Youth accessing services (N = 145) in three U.S. cities were interviewed about their rationales for not seeking help from others regarding distressing experiences. Analyses illustrated specific barriers to help seeking that prompted homeless youth to cope on their own by utilizing soothing, avoidant, aggressive, and introspective coping strategies. Implications for outreaching to those least likely to seek help are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Homeless youth; coping strategies; independence; risk and resilience