Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Psychopathology among young homeless people: longitudinal mental health outcomes for different subgroups
- Authors:
- HODGSON Kate J., SHELTON Katherine H., VAN DEN BREE Marianne B.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 54(3), 2015, pp.307-325.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objectives: This study aimed to examine prevalence and subtypes of psychopathology among a British sample of young homeless people and to investigate potential associations between identified typologies and a priori specified current and past experiences. In addition, the study intended to explore physical health, mental health, and housing outcomes for the different mental health subgroups. Methods: Structured interviews including a mental health assessment were conducted with 90 young homeless people aged 16–23 years. Follow-up interviews were conducted approximately 10 and 20 months later. Cluster analysis at baseline was used to identify groups based on lifetime mental health problems. Results: The current and lifetime incidence of mental health problems was high (88% and 93%, respectively). Three subgroups of homeless young people were identified: (1) minimal mental health issues; (2) mood, substance, and conduct disorder; and (3) post-traumatic stress disorder, mood, and anxiety issues. These groups differed with respect to follow-up indicators of change and stability of mental health status, service use, and suicide risk, but not housing outcome. Other characteristics (gender ratio, past experiences) also distinguished the subgroups. Conclusions: Typologies of young homeless people based on psychopathology reveal differences in lifetime and future experiences including mental health at follow-up. Identified groups could be used to tailor interventions towards differing needs. (Edited publisher abstract)
A comparison of substance abuse severity among homeless and non-homeless adults
- Author:
- HUNTLEY Sylvia S.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 25(4), 2015, pp.312-321.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study aimed to determine whether mental health status and being homeless were significant predicators of substance abuse severity among adults and to determine whether mental health status was a significant predictor of substance abuse severity among adults over and above homeless status. Data were collected from 60 individuals from the Baltimore metropolitan area in the United States. Thirty individuals were homeless and attended a breakfast program; 30 individuals were residents of a community in close proximity to the program. Modes of measurement consisted of the Addiction Severity Index Self Report Form and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Data for this study were coded numerically and analysed using multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that housing status was a significant predictor of alcohol abuse and that mental health status was not a significant predicator of substance abuse severity over and above homeless status. (Edited publisher abstract)
Previous homelessness as a risk factor for recovery from serious mental illnesses
- Authors:
- CASTELLOW Jennifer, KLOOS Bret, TOWNLEY Greg
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 51(6), 2015, pp.674-684.
- Publisher:
- Springer
This paper argues that the experience of homelessness is inherently traumatic and thus has the potential to affect the manifestation of mental illness. The experiences related to being homeless might act as specific and unique sources of vulnerability. This study included 424 people diagnosed with serious mental illnesses living in supported housing programmes in South Carolina. Three hierarchical regression analyses measuring the impact of homelessness on three types of outcomes revealed the following: (1) ever experiencing homelessness as well as the amount of time spent homeless were related to higher levels of psychiatric distress, (2) ever experiencing homelessness was related to higher levels of reported alcohol use, and (3) total amount of time spent homeless was related to lower perceived recovery from mental illness. These findings suggest that experiencing homelessness might contribute to psychosocial vulnerability to negative mental health outcomes. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mental health, permanent housing, and peer support through community living in the Fairweather Lodge: implementation through collaboration
- Authors:
- BERMINGHAM Charles, MANLICK Christopher F., LIU William Ming
- Journal article citation:
- Housing Care and Support, 18(1), 2015, pp.26-30.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explain the history of the Fairweather Lodge Program, its utility, the development of one programme in a small Midwestern city, the role of psychology, and the importance of disseminating information about the programme to combat homelessness. Design/methodology/approach:This paper takes a short case study approach to describing the evolution of a peer support-based housing programme for individuals with serious mental illness and a history of homelessness. Findings: The Fairweather Lodge facilitates peer support, community engagement, stable housing, and work engagement in those struggling with mental illness and homelessness. Originality/value: The Fairweather Lodge Program is a programme intended to support the mental health and employment needs of individuals with severe mental illness who are at increased risk of homelessness. Housing alone often does not address the complex needs of chronically homeless individuals. (Edited publisher abstract)
Our lives: challenging attitudes to poverty in 2015
- Authors:
- ZIPFEL Tricia, et al
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 36
Drawing on the personal stories of people living on very low incomes, this report highlights the reality of poverty in 2015 and the impact it has on many families. It aims to update the report 'Our towns', published in 1943, which documented the problems of urban poverty in the in 1940s. The personal stories featured in the current report cover the day-to-day struggles of individuals, aspirations for their children and themselves, and highlights their capacity for resilience. Individuals stories cover going hungry and using food banks; difficulties negotiating the benefits system; complex lives; the impact of the care system and domestic abuse; homeless; mental health; disability; and insecurity and employment. At the end of each cluster of stories the report includes summary information about the issues the stories raised for the individuals and the researchers. The report then compares the situation today with poverty experienced in 1940s. Differences identified include the growth of in-work poverty and generally higher living standards in 2015. Despite these obvious differences the report identifies many parallels between the 1943 report and today, with people in poverty are often coping with complex lives. Both reports acknowledge the significant impact of poverty on mental health and wellbeing. The final section sets out a call for action to tackle poverty and social deprivation. (Original abstract)
An unstable start: all babies count: spotlight on homelessness
- Authors:
- HOGG Sally, et al
- Publisher:
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 40
- Place of publication:
- London
This report looks at what is known about babies whose parents are homeless, setting out the impact on babies who don't have a supportive, affordable, decent and secure place to live. It includes recommendations for government to help ensure that babies affected by homelessness get the best start in life. The report shows that babies living in homeless families can be extremely vulnerable. Babies' development is reliant on the quality of the care their parents are able to provide but for some parents who are homeless, providing this care can be difficult. Homelessness means lacking a supportive, affordable, decent and secure place to live. Parents who are homeless are often themselves amongst the most vulnerable in society, bringing with them histories of trauma and loss. Homelessness can affect parents' ability to meet what babies need for a healthy and safe start in life. It can impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of pregnant women because of the stresses associated with housing instability and because it is harder to adopt a healthy lifestyle in such circumstances. Stress can also make it more difficult for parents to provide their babies with sensitive, responsive and consistent emotional care. A baby's physical development can also be affected. Many types of homeless accommodation lack the important safety, cleanliness and facilities babies need in order to thrive. Homelessness often means that families do not receive the formal and informal support they need. The report makes a series of recommendations, focusing on prioritisation of the needs of babies and their parents, service and policy integration, and supporting stability for families. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mental health and housing
- Author:
- SAVAGE Jonny
- Publisher:
- Mental Health Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 47
- Place of publication:
- London
This study considers how different types of supported accommodation meet the needs of people with mental health problems. It focuses on five approaches to providing supported accommodation, including: Care Support Plus – High Level; integrated support; homelessness; complex needs; low-level step down; and later life. Through semi-structured interviews the study has drawn on the expertise of people living and working in these services across England, and presents their views of both building and service related issues. The report makes several recommendations in relation to the quality of supported accommodation, the need for co-production in the design and development, the need to invest in the recruitment and continuous professional development of staff, the development of and support of staff to understand an implement the approaches articulated in polices and finally the need to put resources into ensuring that appropriate accommodation is available and provided to those in need, including people with mental health problems. (Edited publisher abstract)
Time-limited case management for homeless mothers with mental health problems: effects on maternal mental health
- Authors:
- SAMUELS Judith, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 6(4), 2015, pp.515-539.
- Publisher:
- Society for Social Work and Research
Objective: In this study the authors test the effect of a time-limited case management model targeting homeless mothers who are experiencing mental health problems. Adapted from an empirically informed intervention to prevent recurrent homelessness among individuals, the Family Critical Time Intervention (FCTI) supports mothers with children for a 9-month period as they move from homeless shelters into affordable housing. The case management team uses a structured intervention to encourage mothers to create and maintain necessary connections in the community for key family supports. Method: The authors use a longitudinal randomised controlled trial (N = 210) to test whether homeless mothers referred to FCTI experience greater declines in psychopathology compared with those receiving homeless services-as-usual. All families receive access to affordable housing. Hierarchical linear models examine changes in symptomatology at shelter entry and 3, 9, and 15 months later. Results: Results suggest all homeless mothers report significant and clinically meaningful declines in mental distress over time, regardless of intervention condition. Treatment effects do not vary by prior homelessness experiences or receipt of mental health services. Conclusions: Homelessness presents acute stress for mothers that diminishes over time after families rehouse. In addition, improvements in maternal mental health fail to explain prior findings that associated FCTI with benefits in child and adolescent behaviour. Taken together, FCTI with connection to affordable housing provides a useful approach with homeless families; however, additional research needs to articulate mechanisms involved in the intervention. (Edited publisher abstract)
Homelessness is traumatic: abuse, victimization, and trauma histories of homeless men
- Authors:
- DECK Stacy M., PLATT Phyllis A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Aggression Maltreatment and Trauma, 24(9), 2015, pp.1022-1043.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Homelessness is traumatic, and trauma-informed care is an emerging best practice. Using structured interviews with day shelter clients (N = 152), this study examined trauma among homeless men. The PTSD Checklist (PCL–C) was used to assess for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants’ pattern of PCL–C responses suggested that 23% to 30% screened positive for PTSD. Those with positive PTSD screens had been homeless longer and were more likely to have met time criteria for chronic homelessness. They were significantly more likely to be veterans and to report violent attacks, abuse histories, and mental health problems. Importantly, only 69% of those with positive PTSD screens acknowledged current mental health problems. These individuals were much less likely to report mental health counselling in the prior year. (Publisher abstract)
Addressing complex needs: improving services for vulnerable homeless people
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Department for Communities and Local Government
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department for Communities and Local Government
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 22
- Place of publication:
- London
This report summarises the work of the cross-government Ministerial Working Group on Homelessness since its inception in 2010 and also looks at what still needs to be achieved in relation to homeless people with complex or multiple support needs. It outlines the specific needs of homeless people with overlapping mental health, offending or substance misuses problems and the estimated costs associated with meeting these needs. It then sets out a new approach to delivering services for homeless people with complex needs. This includes locally-led commissioning of services, giving the voluntary sector a key role in working with those with complex needs, and the use of payment by results and social investment. The final chapter presents a set of call for evidence questions to those working in the sector. (Edited publisher abstract)