Eventos estresantes e indicadores de ajuste en adolescentes en situación de vulnerabilidad social en Brasil

This study aimed to characterize different profiles of children and adolescents (11-18 years old), living in situations of social vulnerability (one group of street children and adolescents - G1 and one group living with their families - G2). G1 and G2 (n = 98) were characterized according to risk (stressful events), and adjustment (physical health symptoms, drug use, sexual risk taking behavior, suicidal behavior and positive/negative affect and comparative analysis between the groups was conducted. The association of stressful events and social support networks with maladjustment was tested. Results showed that G1 experienced a larger number of stressful events and lower indicators of adjustment (with the exception of positive affect) than G2. Only the number of stressful events was independently associated with maladjustment.