The problem of homelessness is mostly understood to be caused by social factors, such as poverty, or individual factors, such as substance abuse, mental health problems, etc. it promotes either social solutions (for example, housing) or interventions, such as the use of medication or arrest. The psychological aspect of the problem seems to be highly underestimated.
Mental health studies focus on characteristics that can be risk factors for homelessness. At the same time, homelessness itself is a risk factor for emotional disorder and psychological trauma resulting in social disaffiliation and learned helplessness (Goodman, Saxe, Harvey, 1991). Trauma symptoms are produced by such factors as the sudden or gradual loss of one’s home and the conditions of shelter life. Many homeless people – particularly women – become homeless after experiencing physical and sexual abuse and consequent psychological trauma.
Homeless children are the most sensitive category of those experiencing trauma of homelessness.The symptoms that result from the stress of homelessness include anxiety, depression, extreme withdrawal, poor concentration, attachment disorder and various forms of “acting out,” such as tantrums. A longitudinal study has proven that 31% of youths increase their drug abuse due to the change of their housing situation (becoming homeless), compared to 13% of those who have reported decreasing their drug use (Cheng et al., 2014). Homelessness can also become a behavioral pattern: surveys have noted that more than one-quarter of homeless adults experienced homelessness when they were young (Smith, 2010).
Thus, the psychological treatment of homeless people must focus on both: factors that cause homelessness and those that are caused by the condition of homelessness. Homeless women and children as the most vulnerable groups deserve special consideration.
References:
Goodman, L. A., Saxe, L. Harvey, M. (1991, Nov.) Homelessness as psychological trauma: Broadening perspectives. American Psychologist, Vol 46(11), p. 1219-1225. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.46.11.1219
Cheng, T., Wood, E., Nguyen, P., Kerr, T., DeBeck, K. (2014). Increases and decreases in drug use attributed to housing status among street-involved youth in a Canadian setting. Harm Reduction Journal. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/11658689/Increases_and_decreases_in_drug_use_attributed_to_housing_status_among_street-involved_youth_in_a_Canadian_setting
Smith, C. (2010, Oct., 24). Homelessness can cause mental problems in kids. Retrieved from http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Homelessness-can-cause-mental-problems-in-kids-879396.phd