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Adolescents' and Parents' Perceptions of Runaway Behavior: Problems and Solutions

Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal volume 21, pages 495–512 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

This exploratory study examined runaway adolescents' and parents' perceptions about youth and family life and explored reasons youth run away and what could be done that would help them remain home. Comparisons between adolescents' and parents' reports of family functioning demonstrated significant discrepancies. Few parents assumed any responsibility for the runaway behavior or change efforts. More adolescents blamed themselves or cited difficulties in parent–child relationships and offered ideas that entailed altering their attitudes and behaviors or family relationships. The implications of the findings for interventions and future research efforts are explored.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Buffalo School of Social Work, State University of New York, USA; e-mail:

    Andrew W. Safyer, Elaine M. Maccio & Kimberley M. Zittel-Palamara

  2. Austin School of Social Work, University of Texas, USA

    Sanna J. Thompson

  3. School of Social Work, Portland State University, USA

    Greg Forehand

Authors
  1. Andrew W. Safyer
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  2. Sanna J. Thompson
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  3. Elaine M. Maccio
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  4. Kimberley M. Zittel-Palamara
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  5. Greg Forehand
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Safyer, A.W., Thompson, S.J., Maccio, E.M. et al. Adolescents' and Parents' Perceptions of Runaway Behavior: Problems and Solutions. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal 21, 495–512 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:CASW.0000043361.35679.73

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:CASW.0000043361.35679.73

  • Runaway Youth
  • Parent's Perception
  • Family Functioning