As such, burgeoning literature has expanded to focus on
how homeless youth cope with distress while living on the
streets (Kidd and Carroll 2007). Similar to youth in the
general population, researchers have found that particular
coping styles are associated with differential outcomes
among homeless youth. Research has shown that homeless
youth who report increased use of avoidant coping have
higher rates of internalizing and externalizing behavior
problems (Votta and Manion 2003) and increased risk of
suicidal ideation, particularly among females (Kidd and
Carroll 2007). In contrast, problem-focused coping has
been found to buffer against the development of depression
and problem substance use (Unger et al. 1998). Furthermore,
social support has also been shown to mitigate the
negative effects of risk factors on mental health such that
homeless youth who report high levels of social support are
less likely to have symptoms of depression (Unger et al.
1998). This research with homeless youth is consistent with
the broader coping literature, which suggests the use of
adaptive coping patterns (e.g., active, social coping) may
contribute to healthy developmental trajectories, while,
maladaptive coping styles (e.g., avoidant coping) used in
childhood or adolescence may place youth on behavioral
and emotional risk trajectories (Compas et al. 2001).