Family risk factors and prevalence of dissociative symptoms among homeless and runaway youth

Abstract

Objective: To examine family risk factors associated with dissociative symptoms among homeless and runaway youth. Method: Three hundred and twenty-eight homeless and runaway youth were interviewed using a systematic sampling strategy in metropolitan Seattle. Homeless young people were interviewed on the streets and in shelters by outreach workers in youth service agencies. Results: The current study revealed widespread prevalence of dissociative symptoms among these young people.Multivariate analyses revealed that sexual abuse, physical abuse, and family mental health problems were all positively associated with dissociative symptoms. No gender differences were found for any of the models. Conclusions: Dissociative behavior is widespread among these youth and may pose a serious mental health concern. Some young people experience numerous stressors, and with few resources and little support available, many may invoke maladaptive strategies such as dissociative behavior to handle such situations, which may in turn be detrimental to their mental health. Unless youth are provided with programs and intervention, the cycle of abuse that they have experienced at home is likely to continue on the street.

Meta-Analysis of Studies on Cause and Effects of Runaway Girls in Iran

“…According to Bahrami and his research group, runaways in all components of abuse (neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse) showed significant difference from normal females (Bahrami and colleagues, 2007). Findings of this research are correspond with results of researches conducted by (Sappington, 2000;Whithback et al, 1997;Hatty et al, 1994;Tyler et al, 2004).…”

The Mental and Physical Health of Homeless Youth: A Literature Review

“…A Seattle based study of 328 youth (12-21 years-old) living on the streets or in shelters, supports these high figures. Eighty-two percent of participants reported past experiences of physical abuse, 26% endorsed sexual abuse, and 43% described family neglect [24].In a more recent study, 50% of the participants had witnessed intrafamilial abuse, 50% had been physically abused, 39% had been sexually abused, and 68% had experienced verbal abuse [15]. Many of these youth had been victims of multiple types of abuse.…”

Visual false memories in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

“…Participants rated the frequency of dissociative experiences on a scale from 1 (never) to 10 (very often) (cf. Tyler, Cauce, & Whitbeck, 2004). The total score was computed by the sum of the 28 items divided by the number of items.…”