The Effect of Victimization, Mental Health, and Protective Factors on Crime and Illicit Drug Use Among Homeless Young Adults

Abstract

Although research has found high rates of child maltreatment, widespread victimization, and other negative outcomes among homeless youth and young adults, resiliency among this population has largely been understudied. Specifically, a gap remains in terms of how protective factors such as self-efficacy, low deviant beliefs, and religiosity operate among homeless youth and young adults. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between various forms of victimization, mental health, and protective factors with property and violent crime and illicit drug use among homeless young adults. Results from regression analyses indicate that running away from home more frequently, experiencing more physical victimization on the street, higher levels of self-efficacy, and more deviant beliefs were associated with greater property crime. Significant correlates of violent crime included being male, running away from home more frequently, greater sexual and physical victimization on the street, higher levels of self-efficacy, and more deviant beliefs. Finally, being male, running away more frequently from home, greater child physical abuse and partner victimization, and more deviant beliefs were all associated with greater illicit drug use. Self-efficacy was positively related to both property and violent crime, suggesting that it may not operate for homeless young adults in the same manner as it does for normative populations.

A study on reintegration of street children in Burundi: experienced violence and maltreatment are associated with mental health impairments and impeded educational progress

“…With this study we aimed to provide empirical data to strengthen the evidence of several hypotheses about trauma-related disorders in street children in post-conflict settings and thought to detail how to best assist the children in the reintegration process into society. In line with other studies (e.g., Stewart et al, 2004 ; Thomas de Benitez, 2007 ; Tyler et al, 2014 ) we found that in comparison to other vulnerable children, children who had spent parts of their lives in the streets had experienced greater levels of violence on a regular basis and suffered from stronger PTSD symptoms. Moreover, exposure to violence and levels of PTSD severity were correlated indicating that trauma-related mental disorders were more likely to occur in children who had encountered more violence and maltreatment.…”

Is there room for resilience? A scoping review and critique of substance use literature and its utilization of the concept of resilience

“…Resiliency is as a person’s ability to navigate and negotiate for resources to promote health; however, resources must be accessible and available in order for youth to obtain them (Ungar, 2004) [ 154 ] Turner et al, 2007; ( n = 711); US See also Hartman et al , 2009 [ 214 ] • High-risk youth (16–23 years) In spite of the increased likelihood of engaging in delinquency, a significant proportion of individuals, considered to be “high-risk”, prove to be resilient; that is, they overcome the odds and develop into competent human beings (Farrington, Coid, Harnett et al, 2006; Laub and Sampson, 2001; Rutter and Giller, 1983; Smith, Lizotte, Thornberry, and Krohn, 1995; Werner, 1989a). [ 111 ] Tyler et al, 2014; ( n = 172); US • Homeless youth (19–26 years) Resilience is generally viewed as having the capacity to overcome serious and cumulative developmental risks to avoid negative outcomes (Rak & Patterson, 1996). [ 147 ] Veselska et al, 2009; ( n = 3694); Slovakia • 8th and 9th grade students (11–17 years) Specialized scale developed by researchers c Resilience is defined as the process of, capacity for, or outcome of successful adaptation in the face of challenging or threatening circumstances.…”

“…This scoping review found three main categories of adversity: traumatic events, disease processes, and daily stressors. Traumatic events include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, childhood maltreatment/neglect, violence, and criminal victimization (e.g., [ 78 , 79 , 84 , 97 , 98 , 100 , 107 – 111 ]). Disease processes under investigation encompass addiction, mental health problems, HCV/HIV progression, and cancer diagnosis (e.g., [ 112 – 117 ]).…”

“…Disease processes under investigation encompass addiction, mental health problems, HCV/HIV progression, and cancer diagnosis (e.g., [ 112 – 117 ]). Daily stressors often overlap with other risk factors considered, and comprise conditions or experiences such as living in high risk neighbourhoods, poverty, homelessness, discrimination, school problems, family discord, and transitioning out of foster care (e.g., [ 76 , 77 , 85 , 87 , 111 , 118 – 122 ]). Drug use is often considered a daily stressor or risk factor for resilience for the individuals under investigation (e.g., [ 80 , 123 – 126 ]).…”

Drug Addiction, Criminality and Birth Order

“…While examining the predictors of illicit drug and crime, it was demonstrated that younger age, homelessness, heavier patterns of use and a more prolific criminal justice history were associated with criminality [6]. Moreover, being male, running away more frequently from home, greater child physical abuse and partner victimization, and more deviant beliefs were all associated with greater illicit drug use [7]. Moreover, ample of evidences showed the relationship between substance abuse, personality disorders, and nonviolent criminality [8].…”