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Using an Attachment Theory conceptual framework, associations were investigated among positive paternal and maternal relationships, and recent problem behaviors among 501 currently homeless and runaway adolescents (253 males, 248 females). Homeless and runaway youth commonly exhibit problem behaviors such as substance use, various forms of delinquency and risky sex behaviors, and report more emotional distress than typical adolescents. Furthermore, attachments to their families are often strained. In structural equation models, positive paternal relationships significantly predicted less substance use and less criminal behavior, whereas maternal relationships did not have a significant effect on or association with either behavior. Positive maternal relationships predicted less survival sex behavior. Separate gender analyses indicated that among the females, a longer time away from home was significantly associated with a poorer paternal relationship, and more substance use and criminal behavior. Paternal relations, a neglected area of research and often not addressed in attachment theory, should be investigated further. Attachments, particularly to fathers, were protective against many deleterious behaviors. Building on relatively positive relations and attachments may foster family reunifications and beneficial outcomes for at-risk youth. Keywords paternal relationships; maternal relationships; attachment theory; runaway adolescents; problem behaviorsThe current study assesses the protective role of positive relations with fathers and mothers on mitigating externalizing and internalizing problem behaviors among homeless and runaway adolescents, a subpopulation that is at risk for a variety of physical, mental health, and behavioral problems. These youth typically exhibit elevated problem behaviors such as substance use, delinquency, risky sex behaviors, and also report emotional distress (Darling, Palmer, & Kipke, 2005;Whitbeck, Hoyt, Yoder, Cauce, & Paradise, 2001). These problems may be associated in part with relations that these youth have with their parents. It has been demonstrated that among homeless and runaway adolescents, family relations may be NIH Public Access Author ManuscriptAm J Orthopsychiatry. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 June 9. NIH-PA Author ManuscriptNIH-PA Author Manuscript NIH-PA Author Manuscript particularly dysfunctional and reflect early abuse and neglect as well as disorganization within the home (Paradise & Cauce, 2002;Paradise, Cauce, Ginzler, Wert, Wruck, & Brooker, 2001;Tyler, 2006;Whitbeck, Hoyt, & Yoder, 1999). Runaway and homeless youth often have inadequate caregiver protective relationships and impaired attachment security that can foster problem behaviors and difficulties in psychosocial development (Golder, Gillmore, Spieker, & Morrison, 2005;Paradise et al., 2001). An insecure attachment climate is considered an important antecedent of various problem behaviors including running away from home (Tavecchio, Thomeer, & Meeus, 1999).Among normative popu...

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A biopsychosocial perspective was employed to assess associations among situational and psychosocial variables related to health, health care, and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among 479 homeless men (age 18–64). Poor health was not significantly associated with sexual risk behaviors and was only modestly associated with injection drug use (IDU). Health care was not significantly associated with sexual risk behavior or IDU. HIV/AIDS risk behaviors were highly associated with homelessness severity and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). IDU was significantly associated with greater emotional distress and was more likely among younger men and among white men. Sexual risk behavior was more frequent among those who had particularly poor quality housing such as living on the street or in abandoned buildings. Because interactions with the medical community are limited and not associated with HIV/AIDS risk, outreach in areas in which homeless men congregate, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and permanent supportive housing may help reduce HIV risk among homeless men more effectively.

Objectives In an era of community-based participatory research and increased expectations for evidence-based practice, we evaluated an initiative designed to increase community-based organizations' data and research capacity through a 3-day train-the-trainer course on community health assessments. Methods We employed a mixed method pre–post course evaluation design. Various data sources collected from 171 participants captured individual and organizational characteristics and pre–post course self-efficacy on 19 core skills, as well as behavior change 1 year later among a subsample of participants. Results Before the course, participants reported limited previous experience with data and low self-efficacy in basic research skills. Immediately after the course, participants demonstrated statistically significant increases in data and research self-efficacy. The subsample reported application of community assessment Skills to their work and increased use of data 1 year later. Conclusions Results suggest that an intensive, short-term training program can achieve large immediate gains in data and research self-efficacy in community-based organization staff. In addition, they demonstrate initial evidence of longer-term behavior change related to use of data and research skills to support their community work.