The Impact of Shelter Environment, Parental Communication, and Supervision on Depression Outcomes Among an Urban Sample of Adolescent First-Time Shelter Users in New York City

Abstract

Using data from the cross-sectional HIV prevention Outreach for Parents and Early Adolescents (HOPE) study, we explored the impact of shelter environment, quality parenting, as well as the effects of gender and first-time shelter use on depression outcomes among 243 adolescent shelter users in New York City. Results indicate comfort in the shelter environment, and higher rates of monitoring and supervision were associated with lower rates of depression. Girls residing in shelters for the first time reported highest rates of depression. Recommendations for future interventions with this population are discussed.