title: Mental health challenges and strengths of street-involved youth: the need for a multi-determined approach.
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.
authors.affiliation: Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McCay
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Langley
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Beanlands
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mudachi
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blidner
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bach
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dart
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Howes
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003191:Comprehensive Health Care; D017144:Focus Groups; D018453:Homeless Youth; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009864:Ontario; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult