Studies of resilience among youth experiencing homelessness: A systematic review. Issue 4 (19th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cronley, Courtney; Evans, Rosalind
• Is Part Of: Journal of human behavior in the social environment. Volume 27:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 291
• Page End: 310
• Publication Date: 2017-05-19
• Subjects: Homeless -- resilience -- systematic review -- youth; Social psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Social service -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2017.1282912
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1091-1359

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article systematically reviews studies exploring resilience among youth experiencing homelessness. We searched eight databases, and 21 articles fit the inclusion criteria and represented four methodologies: qualitative ( n = 7, 33.3%), survey and secondary data analysis ( n = 8, 38.1%), quantitative ( n = 4, 19.1%), and mixed-method ( n = 2, 9.5%) designs. Studies indicate that youth experiencing homelessness rely on informal social networks for survival, and that spirituality, mental health, and creativity are associated with enhanced coping. More experimental and intervention studies are necessary to support evidence-based resilience practices. Additionally, researchers need to exercise more self-awareness about how stereotypical pejorative paradigms may constrain innovative, strengths-based scholarship.