Pushpanjali Dashora (2016) “Swimming Against the Tide: Suffering and Strengths of Homeless Youth”

The existing literature is currently limited in detailing the experiences of homeless youth’s hardships and strengths from their own perspectives. This study examined suffering among homeless youth and explored the strengths that helped them to survive everyday challenges. Youth were recruited from a Midwestern city in the United States to participate in this study. In depth open-ended life history interviews were conducted with 15 homeless youth (between the ages of 18-24 years). Qualitative analysis of the narratives from the youth revealed that they often experienced suffering through the loss of dignity, social support, security, freedom and hope. They continued to persevere by finding meaning in life, valuing oneself and finding support from external sources. This study included a convenience sample of 15 youth. Therefore, the findings have limited generalizability to other homeless youth. Homelessness threatens the very existence of the sense of self among youth. This paper suggests that interventions and programs need to build upon youths’ strengths to empower them to overcome the multifaceted struggles associated with homelessness. This paper contributes to the emerging literature on homeless youths’ assets and strengths.

Keywords: Youth, Homelessness, Qualitative Research, Strengths, Suffering

Feature image taken by Flickr under Creative Commons Licence – the original can be accessed here.

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Youth Voice Journal is an international, multidisciplinary, refereed journal that publishes theoretical contributions and empirical studies on international issues affecting young people. In particular, the Journal aims to: - provide a medium, especially for young researchers and young academics, to inform debates around social policy through high quality research; - provide a platform for the intellectual exchange of ideas around the globe with the aim of influencing policies and practices; - actively encourage and aide those young people whose voice is rarely heard by policy makers to contribute to the journal. Youth Voice Journal is published by IARS Publications and edited by Dr. Theo Gavrielides.

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