Factores psicossociais que influenciam os adolescentes a optarem pela vida da rua - Estudo de caso, casa resgate, cidade de Chimoio

Abstract

Living on the street, even though it is a health risk factor, has been an alternative for teenagers who frequent Casa Resgate in the city of Chimoio. Thus, the study aimed to understand how psychosocial factors are decisive for adolescents to opt for street life, which involves identifying and describing the psychosocial vulnerability factors that motivate adolescents to live on the street, as well as describing the psychological strategies that allow its adaptability. The adolescents who attend Casa Resgate, even though they have families, end up living on the street, becoming a reality for reflection on the place of homeless adolescents in society and to see how these dynamics of street life are felt and experienced by adolescents, bonds they establish with families, support institutions and how they adopt psychological survival mechanisms. The methodology used for the approach is Mixed where it comprises the qualitative and quantitative approach, with the objective of exploratory research where bibliographic, documentary and field products (direct observation) were used, and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection instruments, application of psychological test (Mini mental state exam) and focus group sessions. It was found that among several factors that influence adolescents to take the street as their place of residence, family breakdown stands out with the percentage of 50%, such as the case of loss of parents, living with relatives of the third degree (stepmothers, stepfathers, uncles); this disruption is manifested by the negligence of those in charge of providing basic care and a lack of affective bonds. However, living on the street, adolescents develop subsistence activities as adaptation mechanisms, such as resilience, approaching support institutions and establishing links between them.