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

Abstract

Youth homelessness is a growing concern in the United States. Despite difficulties studying this population due to inconsistent definitions of what it means to be a youth and homeless, the current body of research indicates that abuse, family breakdown, and disruptive family relationships are common contributing factors to youth homelessness. Moreover, the experience of homelessness appears to have numerous adverse implications and to affect neurocognitive development and academics, as well as mental and physical health. Substance use, sexually transmitted infections, and psychiatric disorders are particularly prevalent in this population. Whereas some of these problems may be short-lived, the chronic stress and deprivation associated with homelessness may have long-term effects on development and functioning. Further, difficulties accessing adequate and developmentally-appropriate health care contribute to more serious health concerns. Suggestions for future research and interventions are discussed.

Social Support Networks and the Mental Health of Runaway and Homeless Youth

“…Given the myriad of difficult stressors RHY face on the streets, it is not surprising that researchers and service providers have documented a wide-range of physical and mental health problems (Edidin et al 2012). Perhaps most importantly, RHY report exceptionally high levels of "overlapping" or interrelated traumas, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, both in their past and while they are homeless (Davies and Allen 2017).…”

“…Regarding mental health, researchers have documented high levels of depressive symptoms and psychological distress (Edidin et al 2012;Kamieniecki 2001;Toolis and Hammack 2015), as well as suicidality and suicide attempts (Fulginiti et al 2016;Moskowitz et al 2013). Consistent with the well documented high-prevalence of severe mental illness among homeless youth and adults (Henry et al 2016; National Health Care for the Homeless Council 2015), severe mental illness has also been found to be a significant concern among RHY, particularly post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and other major mood disorders (Davies and Allen 2017;Edidin et al 2012;Nyamathi et al 2005). …”

“…Familial residential instability and economic hardship have also been identified as significant forces in the lives of many RHY (National Coalition for the Homeless n.d.). While the reasons vary, research indicates that RHY experience significant health and mental health challenges (for a recent review, see (Edidin et al 2012)). At the same time, a few studies also found that these young people can be Soc.…”

Predictors of Mental Health Service Use by Young Adults: A Systematic Review

“…This included, but was not limited to, college students age 18 years and older-a subpopulation primarily consisting of young adults (2,15). Studies targeting specific vulnerable or special-service populations-namely, homeless young adults, young veterans, and chronic illness or disability groups-were excluded due to their different treatment needs (37,38). Consistent with existing research (39,40), mental health services were broadly defined as community mental health services, counseling services, or services provided in hospital departments, with treatment delivered by trained mental health professionals (that is, general practitioners, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, or social workers), regardless of duration of service use or data collection method (that is, prospectively via self-report or retrospectively via medical records).…”

Psychosocial Support for Youth Living With HIV

“…20 Studies indicate that youth aging out of foster care at 18 years of age and those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) are especially susceptible to homelessness. 21 The former, particularly minority youth, have limited experience in independent living and lack the financial and social supports required to become independent. 22,23 Many are at increased risk for sexual victimization, school dropout, substance abuse, and mental health comorbidities.…”