Abstract
Although social integration tends to have positive effects on the mental health of housed adolescents, the role of homeless
adolescents’ social networks is more ambiguous. Social network data were collected from 136 homeless adolescents in Hollywood,
California to examine how network ties are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Face-to-face relationships
with street-based peers were a risk factor for both anxiety and depression, while contacting home-based friends through social
networking technology was found to be protective for depression. Community-based and public agencies serving homeless adolescents
should consider facilitating the maintenance of these protective relationships by providing internet access.
adolescents’ social networks is more ambiguous. Social network data were collected from 136 homeless adolescents in Hollywood,
California to examine how network ties are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Face-to-face relationships
with street-based peers were a risk factor for both anxiety and depression, while contacting home-based friends through social
networking technology was found to be protective for depression. Community-based and public agencies serving homeless adolescents
should consider facilitating the maintenance of these protective relationships by providing internet access.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Brief Report
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9462-1
- Authors
- Eric Rice, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 1149 S. Hill St., Suite 360, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
- Seth Kurzban, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 1149 S. Hill St., Suite 360, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
- Diana Ray, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 1149 S. Hill St., Suite 360, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853