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Psychological research on homelessness in Western Europe: a review from 1970 to 2001
- Authors:
- PHILPOT Pierre, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Issues, 63(3), 2007, pp.483-504.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This article summarizes definitions employed, observed prevalence, the socio-demographic characteristics, and the physical and mental health status of the homeless in Western Europe. Research pertaining to the causes of homelessness and the societal response to the problem are also reviewed, and the ethical and methodological questions raised by European researchers are debated. A critical analysis of the largely descriptive European research is provided, and some noteworthy exceptions are described. The authors also discuss a number of promising theoretical models, including those that focus on learned helplessness, social strain, and social stress.
Community integration of adults with psychiatric disabilities and histories of homelessness
- Authors:
- GULCUR Leyla, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 43(3), June 2007, pp.211-228.
- Publisher:
- Springer
This study tests components of Wong and Solomon’s (2002, Mental Health Services Research, 4(2), 13–28) model of community integration, identifying both the dimensions and predictors of integration. It evaluates community integration among adults with psychiatric disabilities assigned randomly to receive either independent scatter-site apartments with the Housing First approach (experimental) or services as usual (control). Factor analysis supported a definition of community integration that includes psychological, physical, and social domains, but also suggested the existence of another factor, independence/self-actualization. Regression analysis suggested that choice and independent scatter-site housing were predictors of psychological and social integration respectively. Psychiatric hospitalization, symptomatology and participation in substance use treatment were also found to influence aspects of integration. The authors discuss several issues that future studies should explore including the possibility that the same factor can differentially influence discrete aspects of integration, the role of person-environment fit, integration that is not based in the neighbourhood, and, finally, conceptions of community integration from the perspective of consumers themselves.
There's no place like (a) home: ontological security among persons with serious mental illness in the United States
- Author:
- PADGETT Deborah K.
- Journal article citation:
- Social Science and Medicine, 64(9), May 2007, pp.1925-1936.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
As the homelessness ‘crisis’ in the United States enters a third decade, few are as adversely affected as persons with serious mental illness. Despite recent evidence favouring a ‘housing first’ approach, the dominant ‘treatment first’ approach persists in which individuals must climb a ladder of program requirements before becoming eligible for an apartment of their own. Drawing upon the concept of ‘ontological security’, this qualitative study examines the subjective meaning of ‘home’ among 39 persons who were part of a unique urban experiment that provided New York City's homeless mentally ill adults with immediate access to independent housing in the late 1990s. The study design involved purposively sampling from the experimental (housing first) group (N=21) and the control (treatment first) group (N=18) and conducting two life history interviews with each participant. Markers of ontological security—constancy, daily routines, privacy, and having a secure base for identity construction—provided sensitizing concepts for grounded theory analyses designed to also yield emergent, or new, themes. Findings revealed clear evidence of the markers of ontological security among participants living in their own apartments. This study expands upon previous research showing that homeless mentally ill persons are capable of independent living in the community. The emergent theme of ‘what's next’ questions and uncertainty about the future points to the need to address problems of stigma and social exclusion that extend beyond the minimal achievement of having a ‘home’.
Watching cars go past: a study of homeless young people's experiences of accessing mental health services in South Gloucestershire
- Author:
- BATTERHAM Mark
- Publisher:
- Kingswood Young Homeless Project
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 87p.
- Place of publication:
- Bristol
Homeless young people are at particular risk of not receiving adequate services because of their age, their social situation and their presenting and underlying mental health needs. This study undertook to gauge the prevalence of mental health needs amongst homeless youth, aged 16 to 19 years, in South Gloucestershire and to elicit information from homeless young people about their experiences of accessing mental health services. The study collected information relating to the incidence and type of mental health needs amongst homeless youth in the year 2005 from providers of accommodation and support and from statutory agencies. Stage two of the study involved face to face, semi-structured interviews with a small sample of homeless youth. The prevalence of mental health needs and learning difficulties was found to be significant although lower than that found in previous studies. Young homeless people's experiences of accessing mental health services were found to be characterised by confusion. They generally expressed a need for emotional and psychological support as well as practical help. There was a preference for youth-oriented services and above all else, these young people valued trustworthiness, friendliness and a non-judgemental approach.
Disappearing acts: The social networks of formerly homeless individuals with co-occurring disorders
- Authors:
- HAWKINS Robert Leibson, ABRAMS Courtney
- Journal article citation:
- Social Science and Medicine, 65(10), November 2007, pp.2031-2042.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Studies of the social lives of men and women living with co-occurring disorders (substance abuse and serious mental illness) suggest that social networks critically influence recovery. In this paper, the authors examine some of the reasons that the social networks of individuals with co-occurring disorders are small, and the impact of small networks for this population. Using a social capital framework with cross-case analysis, 72 in-depth qualitative interviews with 39 formerly homeless mentally ill men and women who were substance abusers were analysed. All were participants in the New York Services Study (NYSS), a federally funded study of mentally ill adults in New York City. The patterns suggest that networks shrunk because (1) social network members died prematurely, (2) study participants withdrew or pushed others away, and (3) friends and family members faced so many obstacles of their own that they could not provide resources for the study participants. The authors suggest that as networks diminished, some participants responded by attempting to rebuild their networks, even if the networks provided negative social capital, and others isolated themselves socially to escape the pressures and disappointments of interaction.
A systematic review of cognition in homeless children and adolescents
- Authors:
- PARKS Randolph W., STEVENS Richard J., SPENCER Sean A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 100(1), January 2007, pp.46-50.
- Publisher:
- Royal Society of Medicine
Homelessness might be hypothesised to carry many risks for the developing minds and brains of children and adolescents, and the purpose of this review was to identify whether this hypothesis has been tested. The results show that, despite the vast numbers of children and adolescents who are homeless across the world, only ten studies focusing on these populations and reporting cognitive assessments could be identified. Most of these are cross-sectional studies undertaken in the USA, and their relevance for other settings may be limited. However, they do indicate that homeless children may be more cognitively impaired than disadvantaged ones from comparable backgrounds who do have homes. The evidence on adolescents is even more limited, but also suggests a risk of cognitive impairment. The authors recommend the introduction of cognitive evaluation and brief intelligence screening for homeless children and adolescents, as well as psychiatric or psychological screening of the latter where prior physical, sexual or substance abuse is suspected.
The fundamental facts: the latest facts and figures on mental health
- Authors:
- HALLIWELL Ed, MAIN Liz, RICHARDSON Celia
- Publisher:
- Mental Health Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 77p.
- Place of publication:
- London
A newly updated summary of mental health research, providing a handbook of key facts and figures. It is the most comprehensive compilation and analysis available, covering all the key areas of mental health. It provides answers to questions regarding the number of people who experience mental health problems and how many people self-harm. The Fundamental Facts also highlights the factors related to mental health problems, including homelessness, social deprivation and substance misuse, and examines the cost of mental ill-health in depth, looking at current levels of spending and the implications of mental illness for employment.