Sunday, 16 January 2005 - 8:45 AM

This presentation is part of: Homeless Youth

Stress and Coping Strategies in Runaway Youths: An Application of Concept Mapping

Purpose: This paper presents findings from a study that used Concept Mapping to explore stressors and coping strategies experienced by runaway youths. The study also attempts to discern if there are different patterns of stressors and coping strategies according to demographic variables, such as gender and ethnicity.

Method: Concept Mapping, a mixed-method approach developed by Trochim (1989), was used to collect, organize and interpret qualitative data through quantitative techniques. Participants in this study included 53 runaway youths living in a runaway shelter. Participants conceptually sorted the statements and completed Likert-type scales rating statements' frequency for stressors and coping strategies.

Results: Stressors conceptualized by participants aggregated into five empirical clusters: Disrespect (M = 3.44), Living Stability (M = 3.28), Anxiety (M = 3.28), School (M = 3.04), Friends (M = 2.92), and Family (M = 2.53). Five clusters also emerged for coping strategies: Relaxation (M = 3.31), Social Support (M = 3.19), Going Out (M = 3.02), Hobbies/Interests (M = 2.92), and Escaping (M = 2.47). A Pearson's r was extracted to assess the strength of relationship (the level of consistency) between groups such as male versus female, White versus Non-White, and situational runaways versus chronic runaways. Great levels of disagreement in stressor identification were observed between White versus Non-White (r =.64). Non-White youths experienced higher levels of stress from problems related to school, friends, and disrespect than did White youths. Similarly, high levels of disagreement in coping strategies were observed across different ethnic groups (r = .73). Non-White youths reported greater frequency of using coping methods of Social Support and Going Out, while White youths relied on Relaxation and Hobbies/Interests to a greater extent.

Implications for Practice: The conceptual framework generated using Concept Mapping can be utilized in planning and developing preventive programs and interventions with runaway youths experiencing high levels of stress. Social workers and helping professionals need to demonstrate an awareness of stressors and corresponding coping strategies among this population by providing support services grounded in a relationship of mutual respect.

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