Countervailing social network influences on problem behaviors among homeless youth

J Adolesc. 2008 Oct;31(5):625-39. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2007.10.008. Epub 2008 Feb 20.

Abstract

The impact of countervailing social network influences (i.e., pro-social, anti-social or HIV risk peers) on problem behaviors (i.e., HIV drug risk, HIV sex risk or anti-social behaviors) among 696 homeless youth was assessed using structural equation modeling. Results revealed that older youth were less likely to report having pro-social peers and were more likely to have HIV risk and anti-social peers. A longer time homeless predicted fewer pro-social peers, more anti-social peers, and more HIV risk peers. Heterosexual youth reported fewer HIV risk peers and more pro-social peers. Youth recruited at agencies were more likely to report pro-social peers. Having pro-social peers predicted less HIV sex risk behavior and less anti-social behavior. Having HIV risk peers predicted all problem behavior outcomes. Anti-social peers predicted more anti-social behavior. Once the association between anti-social and HIV risk peers was accounted for independently, having anti-social peers did not independently predict sex or drug risk behaviors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / diagnosis
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity / psychology*
  • HIV Seropositivity / transmission*
  • Homeless Youth / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs*
  • Los Angeles
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Peer Group*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Work / psychology*
  • Social Conformity
  • Social Facilitation
  • Social Identification
  • Social Support*
  • Socialization*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / diagnosis
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / psychology*
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs