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Risk factors for homelessness: evidence from a population-based study
Katherine H Shelton1, Pamela J Taylor, Adrian Bonner
1School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, United Kingdom. sheltonkh1@cardiff.ac.uk
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|April 3, 2009
Summary
Childhood adversity and current challenges like mental health issues increase the risk of homelessness in young adults. Early interventions are crucial for prevention and support.
Area of Science:
- Social Science
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Homelessness among young adults is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with lifetime homelessness in a large, nationally representative sample of young adults.
- To explore the relationship between childhood adversity, socioeconomic factors, and mental health on homelessness risk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 14,888 young adults from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health).
- Logistic regression was used to examine associations between variables and lifetime homelessness.
- Variables were selected based on prior research linking them to homelessness.
Main Results:
- 4.6% of young adults reported ever experiencing homelessness.
- Childhood factors like poor family functioning, socioeconomic disadvantage, and parental separation were linked to homelessness.
- Current socioeconomic difficulty, mental health, and addiction problems were also significant predictors.
Conclusions:
- Adversity in childhood is strongly associated with an increased risk of homelessness.
- Mental health problems are linked to homelessness, indicating complex service needs.
- Early intervention strategies targeting childhood adversity are essential for homelessness prevention.
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