Youth homelessness : attitudes perceived by staff working with homeless youths
Authors
Wyse, Alexandra
Issue Date
2010
Degree
BA (Hons) in Social Science
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Earlier research has shown that young people who are homeless seem to become involved in more criminal activities compared to those youths who are not homeless. However there has been little research done on attitudes towards homelessness and the effects it has on both the life of the homeless individual and the rest of society. This study looks at attitudes of those who work with homeless youths, and explores the attitudes they have towards this disadvantaged group. It was a non experimental design. Data was obtained from a total of 102 participants, consisting of 52 males and 50 females, between 18-70 years of age. Participants voluntarily completed a questionnaire presented using a five point Likert Scale. Findings suggest that the participants showed a number of positive attitudes towards this group. A large percentage of participants associated entry into youth homelessness as being a result of emotional experiences, experienced in childhood.