Discrimination, self-harming behaviors and emotional quality of life among youth experiencing homelessness

Discrimination against the homeless is an increasingly documented phenomenon with detrimental mental and physical health impacts. Relatively less is known about potential buffers of the negative impact of this discrimination, though research suggests that resiliency and social support can help individuals who are homeless overcome adversity. A total of 147 unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness (ages 16-24) completed a survey assessing self-reported experiences with homelessness discrimination, self-harming behaviors, drug/alcohol use and suicidality, as well as a measure of emotional quality of life (QOL). The results revealed that discrimination was associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation, drug/alcohol use and self-harming behavior. At high levels of discrimination, youth with high levels of emotional QOL reported less self-harming behavior compared to their peers with low levels of emotional QOL. These results contribute to a growing body of research establishing discrimination as an additional and relevant source of stress for individuals who are houseless.