The Strengths of Young People Who Are Homeless

Abstract

Researchers examined how young people who are homeless conceptualize and interact with challenging circumstances, adopting a human agency focus rooted in the constructionist model of resilience. Thirty-five young people who were homeless in Ottawa participated in in-depth interviews and/or focus groups. Participants reflected upon their strategic decision-making and described how they solved problems in the midst of adversity, planned for the future, consciously altered their identities, and balanced the costs of engaging in certain behaviours. A constructionist approach to resilience allowed for insight into behaviour that is often seen as risky or outside social norms.

Examining Risk Factors and Protective Resources as Predictors of Recovery Among Youth With Mental Illness and Lived Experience of Homelessness

“…Kolar et al (2012) highlight that youth emphasize the importance of protecting peers and putting the safety of others above their own when discussing substance use. Due to their socioeconomic circumstances, drug dealing and stealing were seen as means of survival (Roebuck & Roebuck, 2016).…”

“…When assessing the non-significant relationship between substance use and recovery, it is crucial to question the normative assumptions of adaptive versus maladaptive behavior (Kolar et al, 2012; Roebuck & Roebuck, 2016). Kolar et al (2012) highlight that youth emphasize the importance of protecting peers and putting the safety of others above their own when discussing substance use.…”

Realizing the potential of a strengths‐based approach in family support with young people and their parents

“…In a similar vein and moving away from the traditional position of engaging young people with a problem orientation and risk focus, an SBA to practice with young people aims to promote their well‐being through positive engagement in support services (Liang et al, 2013). This has been seen in relation to more comprehensive assessment processes (Tedeschi & Kilmer, 2005), increased levels of involvement (Jimerson et al, 2004; Tierney et al, 2022) and promoting awareness of their capabilities including their problem‐solving abilities (Roebuck & Roebuck, 2016). It concerns itself predominantly with the quality of the relationship between the young person and the practitioners providing support.…”

“…Of note, the key features of strengths‐based practice such as recognition of an individual's psychological need for autonomy, a sense of aptitude and a connection to others (Krabbenborg et al, 2017) mirror the developmental stages of youth and adolescence (Coleman, 2011). Furthermore, encouraging young people to identify, use and/or develop their own strengths promotes motivation, a positive self‐concept and resilience when experiencing trials and adversity ( Roebuck & Roebuck, 2016).…”

“…However, advocates highlight that the approach does not disregard risk but instead is founded on a positive position that emphasizes individual strengths as starting point in a supportive programme of work or intervention, which are then used as a springboard to achieve wider positive change (Roebuck & Roebuck, 2016). Related to these criticisms, commentators have highlighted a need for further research on its effectiveness (Pattoni, 2012; Staudt et al, 2001).…”