Predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms among runaway youth utilizing two service sectors

Abstract

Youth who run away often experience situations that produce symptoms of traumatic distress. This exploratory study assessed predictors of trauma symptomatology among runaway youth who had been admitted to youth emergency shelter services or juvenile detention. Findings demonstrated high levels of trauma-related symptoms for both groups. Worry about family, greater runaway episodes, and living with a father who abused alcohol/drugs significantly predicted higher posttraumatic stress symptoms in detained youth, whereas only worry about family relationships predicted higher trauma symptom scores among youth in emergency shelter care. Findings suggest distressful family life may induce complex emotional responses in youth. Although services to runaway youth must continue to focus on safe, short-term residential care, trauma issues must be acknowledged.