Attachment, social network and homelessness in young people

Homelessness in young people is partially explained within the framework of attachment theory. The relationship between family background, parenting s tyle, experiences of separation and loss, and quality of the attachment rel ationship was examined in a group of homeless youths (n=108) and two compar ison groups, i.e. residential youths (n=85) and a large control group of yo uths from the 'standard' population (n=1228). Also, data regarding the infl uence of social support were obtained. Results indicate that growing up in a family with divorced parents, and especially a lack of parental responsiv eness and emotional support are significant factors in the genesis of homel essness. Social support systems can, however, act as a protective factor an d thus prevent the development of homelessness.