Peer-based prevention programs for homeless youth are complicated by the potential for reinforcing highrisk behaviors among participants. The goal of this study is to understand how homeless youth could be linked to positive peers in prevention programming by understanding where in social and physical space positive peers for homeless youth are located, how these ties are associated with substance use, and the role of social networking technologies (e.g., internet and cell phones) in this process. Personal social network data were collected from 136 homeless adolescents in Los Angeles, CA. Respondents reported on composition of their social networks with respect to: home-based peers and parents (accessed via social networking technology; e.g., the internet, cell phone, texting), homeless peers and agency staff (accessed face-toface) and whether or not network members were substanceusing or non-substance-using. Read more.
Social Networking Technology, Social Network Composition, and Reductions in Substance Use Among Homeless Adolescents
Prevention Science
Year: 2011