Psychosocial and Behavioral Problems in Relation to Recent Experience as a Runaway Among Adolescent Detainees

This study examined the occurrence of psychosocial and behavioural problems (including suicidality) in relation to recent experience as a runaway among adolescents recruited from 2 youth detention centers. Results indicated that recent experience as a runaway was common, especially among females & Caucasians. Detainees who had recently run away reported more psychosocial & behavioural problems than those who had not recently run away. 14% of runaways reported suicidal ideation. The implications of these findings are discussed. (20 refs)