A Comparison of Homeless and Matched Housed Adolescents on Family Environment Variables

This study compared the family environments of a probability sample of 118 homeless adolescents (ages 12–17) residing in shelters to a matched comparison group of 118 housed adolescents using a variety of self-report measures. Even after controlling for potential effects of behavioral disorders (oppositional defiant disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and conduct disorder) and alcohol dependence or abuse, homeless adolescents were found to have experienced significantly more parental maltreatment and were scolded by their parents more often than housed adolescents. The homeless youths reported feelings of less parental love and less cohesion within their families. They reported significantly more parent-to-adolescent and adolescent-to-parent verbal and physical aggression, and more family conflict in general. Implications of these results are discussed, including the potential for child effects.