The Strengths of Young People Who Are Homeless

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.

Publication Date: 
2016
Pages: 
1-12
Volume: 
35
Issue: 
2
Journal Name: 
Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Location: 
Ottawa, ON