Protective Factors Associated with Fewer Multiple Problem Behaviors Among Homeless/Runaway Youth

Abstract

Although homeless youth exhibit numerous problem behaviors, protective factors that can be targeted and modified by prevention programs to decrease the likelihood of involvement in risky behaviors are less apparent. The current study tested a model of protective factors for multiple problem behavior in a sample of 474 homeless youth (42% girls; 83% minority) ages 12 to 24 years. Higher levels of problem solving and planning skills were strongly related to lower levels of multiple problem behaviors in homeless youth, suggesting both the positive impact of preexisting personal assets of these youth and important programmatic targets for further building their resilience and decreasing problem behaviors. Indirect relationships between the background factors of self-esteem and social support and multiple problem behaviors were significantly mediated through protective skills. The model suggests that helping youth enhance their skills in goal setting, decision making, and self-reliant coping could lessen a variety of problem behaviors commonly found among homeless youth.

Longitudinal Effects of a Second-Order Multi-Problem Factor of Sexual Risk, Marijuana Use, and Delinquency on Future Arrest Among Truant Youths

“…A second-order CFA described three domains of problem behaviors among truant youth, which reflected a global construct of problem behaviors over time; however, a first-order CFA did not succeed at describing these problem behaviors among truant youth as a single overall problem. The results are consistent with the majority of the research on PBT, including tests on at-risk populations (Gillmore et al, 1998; Lightfoot et al, 2011; Zhang et al, 2002). Similar to tests of the syndrome hypothesis of PBT which have examined longitudinal trends in the problem behaviors, this study suggested problem behaviors among truant adolescents are consistent.…”

“…Less is understood about how the personality and environment domains of PBT influence the development of problem behaviors among truant youth, in particular. Problem behaviors may also be influenced by protective factors for at-risk youth (Jessor, Van Den Bos, Vanderryn, Costa, & Turbin, 1995; Lightfoot, Stein, Tevendale, & Preston, 2011). Third, experts disagree on the best model to test PBT and its longitudinal effects.…”

“…Studies of the general problem behavior construct tend to rely on confirmatory factor analysis to either model problem behavior as a first-order latent factor comprised of observed indicators for the various problem behaviors (Ary et al, 1999; Donovan & Jessor, 1985; Donovan et al, 1988; Farrell, Danish, & Howard, 1992; Newcomb & McGee, 1991; Willoughby et al, 2004) or a second-order latent factor comprised of separate latent factors for each problem behavior which, in turn, are each comprised of multiple observed problem behaviors (Barrera et al, 2001; Chun & Mobley, 2010; Cooper et al, 2003; Fortenberry et al, 1997; Lightfoot, Stein, Tevendale, & Preston, 2011; Mobley & Chun, 2013; Vazsonyi et al., 2008; Zhang et al, 2002). Some studies test competing models of the first-order factor versus the second-order factor structure (Farrell et al, 2000; Gillmore et al., 1998; Grube & Morgan, 1990; Mitchell & O’Nell, 1998; Resnicow et al., 1995; Tildesley et al, 1995; Vingilis & Adlaf, 1990), with the majority of these studies finding stronger support for a second-order factor model of problem behaviors (but see, Tildesley et al, 1995).…”

Subgroups of Dutch homeless young adults based on risk- and protective factors for quality of life: Results of a latent class analysis

“…The accumulation of protective factors contributes to resilience, which has been described as the ability to successfully cope with risk factors or stressors, to adapt to a changing environment, and to adequately mobilise personal and social resources to buffer against adverse health outcomes (Rew & Horner, ). Protective factors such as, personal strengths and resources, social support, self‐esteem, optimism, overall health and adaptive coping were indicated as essential factors for well‐being in HYA populations (Kidd & Shahar, ; Lightfoot, Stein, Tevendale, & Preston, ; Lindsey, Kurtz, Jarvis, Williams, & Nackerud, ; Milburn et al., ; Thompson et al., ). Cognitive coping strategies play an important role in dealing with the demands of challenging life circumstances and thereby affecting quality of life and well‐being (Extremera & Rey, ; Garnefski, Koopman, Kraaij, & ten Cate, ; Garnefski, Legerstee, Kraaij, Van Den Kommer, & Teerds, ; Lazarus & Folkman, ; Li et al., ): they even seem to have a buffering effect (Altena, Boersma, Beijersbergen, & Wolf, n.d.; Kraaij et al., ).…”

Characteristics of Natural Mentoring Relationships From the Perspectives of Homeless Youth

“…Given the well-documented risks associated with youth homelessness, recent investigations have focused on protective factors that may mitigate adverse health outcomes for this population (Kidd & Shahar, 2008;Lightfoot, Stein, Tevendale, & Preston, 2011). One such focus is in the area of social support and social networks (McCay et al, 2011;Rice, Stein, & Milburn, 2008).…”