The relationship between bullying, suicidality, and youth homelessness: the role of parent support as a moderator

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2018
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University of Delaware
Abstract
The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to explore the relationship between bullying, suicidality, and youth homelessness, and (2) to determine if parent support moderates these relationships. The study utilized secondary data analysis of 2,433 youth, enrolled in Delaware Public School grades 9-12, who completed the 2015 Delaware Youth Risk Behavior Survey that measured prevalence and trends of health-risk behaviors. Results demonstrated that bullying mediated the relationship between homelessness and suicidality, such that youth experiencing homelessness reported greater bullying, which in turn was associated with greater suicidality. Additionally, parent support moderated the relationship between bullying and suicidality. Among youth experiencing homelessness with low levels of parent support, bullying was associated with worse suicidality while among those with high levels of parent support, bullying was not associated with worse suicidality. Study findings serve to inform youth programming and service providers in schools and communities, specifically in regard to the needs of youth experiencing homelessness.
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