Gender Differences in Traumatic Events and Rates of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Homeless Youth
Description:
In the present report we describe patterns of traumatic events and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), both partial and full, among homeless youth and those at risk for homelessness, with an emphasis on gender differences. Participants were 85 homeless and at-risk youth (49% female) recruited from a drop-in center in New York City in 2000. Youth completed a structured interview lasting 1.5 h. Rates of childhood maltreatment were substantial. Further, almost all youth experienced at least one traumatic event, with most experiencing multiple types of trauma. Gender differences were found in the types, but not prevalence or magnitude, of childhood maltreatment and traumatic events experienced. Partial symptomatology of PTSD was common for females but not males. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were found to co-occur with PTSD for females, which may complicate treatment efforts. Further investigation of the impact of trauma on homeless males is needed. (Authors)
Content:
This study seeks to understand gender
differences among homeless youth in relation to experiences of trauma and the
development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to compare rates with
the non-homeless youth population. The authors found that the majority of youth
in the study, which includes males and females, experienced at least one
traumatic event and alarming patterns of multiple victimization in childhood
and adolescence. Females were more likely to have experienced physical and
sexual assaults, while males were more likely to report serious accidents as
traumatic events. The authors attempt to understand the gender differences
related to the development of PTSD. They
found that females were more likely to develop partial symptoms, reflected with
the rate differences between males and females in the general population. Males
were less likely to develop partial symptoms, and when symptoms existed, males
attributed the symptoms to sexual assault rather than other forms of trauma.
The article provides important insights about the gender-specific experiences
of homeless youth.
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
2007
Volume:
30
Issue:
1
Pages:
117-129
Phone:
212-845-4499