Predictors of social network composition among homeless and runaway adolescents
Johnson, K.D.; Whitbeck, L.B.; Hoyt, D.R.
Journal of Adolescence 28(2): 231-248
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-1971 PMID: 15878045 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2005.02.005Document Number: 262363
Recent research on the social support networks of homeless and runaway youth suggest the social networks of runaway youth are made up largely of transient deviant peer relationships. This paper examined social network characteristics of 428 homeless and runaway adolescents from small-to moderate-sized cities in four Midwestern states. We investigated size, homogeneity, and correlates of the composition of the instrumental and emotional support networks as reported by the adolescents. Results showed the networks are considerably heterogeneous, comprised of relationships from home and the street as well as family and non-related adults. Further, the composition of these networks is related to adolescent characteristics and experiences including sexual identity, abuse history, and street experience.