The Runaway: Person,Problem,or Situation?

Abstract

Conducted in a relatively affluent suburban county, this study compared two groups of adolescents—those who ran away once or more and those who never ran away—and sought explanations for runaway behavior. The results of the self-administered, con fidential questionnaire completed by the adolescents suggested that the runaway act is motivated by several complex factors that cannot be reduced to purely psychopathological or situational explanations. The runaways in this study indicated that they were affected by certain situational stresses that impaired their func tioning. These stresses were related to family relationships, school adjustment, and psychological support from the adults in their environment. Of special interest was the runaway's inability to get along with adults, whether parents or professional helpers such as ministers and school counselors. Runaways were more drawn to their peers and their siblings for help.