A Theoretical Perspective on Running Away

Abstract

THIS article draws from the concepts and general propositions of exchange theory to fashion an explanation of the varied motivations and behaviors in children who run away from their families. Among these are analyses of the runaways whose family and school experiences are as favorable as those of nonrunaways, and of the youths who are rejected and abused by parents, yet do not run. The institutionalized costs imposed by parents and schools are described, as well as the rewards they provide to some youth. Known facts concerning running are examined for consistency with this theoretical perspective, and some hypotheses are offered.