Correlates of Homelessness Among Adults with Personality Disorder

Although personality disorders (PDs) are more common among persons experiencing homelessness than the general population, few studies have investigated the risk of experiencing homelessness among persons with PDs. This study seeks to identify the demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral health correlates of past-year homelessness among persons with antisocial, borderline, and schizotypal PDs. Nationally representative data of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the United States was used to identify correlates of homelessness. Descriptive statistics and bivariate associations between variables and homeless status were summarized prior to conducting several multivariate logistic regression models to identify correlates of homelessness. Main findings revealed positive associations between poverty, relationship dysfunction, and lifetime suicide attempt with homelessness. In the antisocial PD (ASPD) and borderline PD (BPD) models, comorbid BPD and ASPD, respectively, were associated with higher odds of past-year homelessness. Findings underscore the importance of poverty, interpersonal difficulties, and behavioral health comorbidities on homelessness among persons with ASPD, BPD, and schizotypal PD. Strategies to promote economic security, stable relationships, and interpersonal functioning may buffer against the effects of economic volatility and other systemic factors that could contribute to homelessness and persons with PD.