Running Away and Risky Behaviors in Adolescents

It has been argued that risky behaviors associated with running away occur both prior and subsequently to running away. There could be different implications for prevention and treatment depending on the order in which they occur. A survey was given to 159 participants ages 11 to 25 to examine the relationship between running away and corresponding risky behaviors. Results indicated that there was a significant association between a perception of physical abuse and running away, but no association between a perception of sexual abuse and running away. Adolescents used drugs more often after running away than they did before running away, but they did not engage in prostitution any more frequently after running away than they did before running away. Results also showed no differences in rates of either substance abuse or prostitution among various conditions. This study indicated that running away could create or exacerbate risky behaviors in adolescents. Prevention and intervention services for child abuse and dealing with runaways, as well as outreach efforts for adolescents who are currently homeless, need to remain a priority for policymakers.