Factors associated with trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder among homeless youth in three U.S. cities: The importance of transience

Kimberly Bender, Kristin Ferguson, Sanna Thompson, Chelsea Komlo, David Pollio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

Homeless youth experience disproportionately high rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined correlates of trauma and PTSD among homeless youth with a focus on the impact of homeless culture, substance addiction, and mental health challenges. Homeless youth (N = 146) from Los Angeles, California, Denver, Colorado, and St. Louis, Missouri, were recruited from organizations providing services to homeless youth using comparable methods. Results indicate that 57% of respondents had experienced a traumatic event and 24% met criteria for PTSD. A multinomial logistic regression model revealed greater transience, alcohol addiction, mania, and lower self-efficacy predicted PTSD whereas trauma exposure was associated with alcohol addiction only. Findings have implications for screening and intervening with traumatized homeless youth across service settings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)161-168
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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