Social support, psychological distress, and physiological stress among youth experiencing homelessness

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2026 Sep 3. doi: 10.1037/ort0000969. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) face disproportionately high levels of adversity compared with housed youth. Social support may protect against subsequent psychological distress and physiological stress, yet limited research has examined this among YEH. This study used baseline data from a randomized controlled rapid-rehousing trial with 240 YEH aged 18-24 years to investigate the associations between familial and friend support and psychological distress and physiological stress in YEH and whether these associations were moderated by family and friend substance use or criminal activity. Participants self-reported perceived support from family and friends. Familial and friend support were categorized as not present in the support network, low support, or high support. Regression models were conducted, adjusting for age, gender, sexuality, and race/ethnicity. Findings showed that youth with no family present (b = 4.85, p = .02) or low familial support (b = 4.83, p = .01) reported significantly higher depressive symptoms than those with high familial support. Similarly, youth with no family in their support network had greater odds of a past-year suicide attempt versus youth with high familial support (OR = 3.16, p = .05). Friend support was not significantly associated with psychological distress or physiological stress. No significant moderation effects were found for network substance use or criminal involvement. Supportive familial relationships are associated with lower levels of depression and suicide risk among YEH. Intervention and policy efforts should assess and enhance existing support networks to reduce the psychological burden of homelessness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID:42691267 | DOI:10.1037/ort0000969