Distal and Proximal Stressors Associated With Substance Use among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: The Influence of Race

Abstract

Rates of lifetime substance use are staggering among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) though less is known about whether risk factors and rates vary for different racial groups. We gathered survey data from 169 YEH to examine whether various distal and proximal stressors are linked with youths’ substance use and whether they varied for four groups of youth: White, Black, multiracial, and other races. Path analyses results showed a positive link between child sexual and physical abuse and street sexual and physical victimization. Those who experienced greater street victimization and had more trouble finding everyday necessities reported that a greater number of their friends used more substances. Youth who have more substance using friends were more likely to have greater substance use. Black and multiracial youth reported less lifetime substance use compared to White youth. Findings have implications for targeted interventions to help youth lower their risk for substance misuse.