Abstract
Little is known about the social networks of homeless youth in emerging adulthood despite the importance of this information
for interventions to reduce health risks. This study examined the composition of social networks, and the risks and supports
present within them, in a random sample of 349 homeless youth (33.4% female, 23.9% African American, 17.7% Hispanic) between
the ages of 18 and 24. Social network members who were met on the street were among the most likely to be perceived as engaging
in risky sex, as well as to engage in substance use with the youth. Youth were more likely to count on relatives and sex partners
for support compared to other network members, but they also were more likely to use substances with sex partners and perceived
them as engaging in risky sex. Interventions may need to recognize the importance of intimate relationships during the developmental
stage of emerging adulthood by enhancing supportive bonds and reducing substance use and risky sex in these relationships.
for interventions to reduce health risks. This study examined the composition of social networks, and the risks and supports
present within them, in a random sample of 349 homeless youth (33.4% female, 23.9% African American, 17.7% Hispanic) between
the ages of 18 and 24. Social network members who were met on the street were among the most likely to be perceived as engaging
in risky sex, as well as to engage in substance use with the youth. Youth were more likely to count on relatives and sex partners
for support compared to other network members, but they also were more likely to use substances with sex partners and perceived
them as engaging in risky sex. Interventions may need to recognize the importance of intimate relationships during the developmental
stage of emerging adulthood by enhancing supportive bonds and reducing substance use and risky sex in these relationships.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Empirical Research
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10964-011-9709-8
- Authors
- Suzanne Wenzel, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA
- Ian Holloway, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA
- Daniela Golinelli, RAND Health, Santa Monica, CA, USA
- Brett Ewing, RAND Health, Santa Monica, CA, USA
- Richard Bowman, RAND Health, Santa Monica, CA, USA
- Joan Tucker, RAND Health, Santa Monica, CA, USA
- Journal Journal of Youth and Adolescence
- Online ISSN 1573-6601
- Print ISSN 0047-2891