Intrapersonal and social-contextual factors related to psychological well-being among youth experiencing homelessness.

Homeless youth are adolescents and young adults who do not have stable dwellings but instead live on the streets, in shelters, or in other unstable situations. Although researchers have begun examining well-being among this population, little is known about components of well-being that are relevant to homeless youth or which factors predict differences in well-being. This study examined psychological well-being and its associations with demographic characteristics, intrapersonal factors (mental health, optimism, and self-esteem), and social-contextual factors (social support, sense of community, and empowerment) among 100 youth experiencing homelessness. All of the intrapersonal and social-contextual variables were associated with well-being at the bivariate level. In the full regression model, only self-esteem and psychological distress remained significant. Findings inform future research and program development at homeless service centers.