How Are Dehumanizing Perceptions of Homelessness Associated With Age?

Increasing numbers of unhoused older individuals in the United States underscores the urgency for tailored services and support. Previous studies demonstrate prevalent negative attitudes and dehumanizing perceptions toward unhoused people. Additionally, past research highlights the influence of ageism and dehumanization on the care older adults receive. However, limited work addresses the layered dehumanization faced by unhoused aging individuals. This study investigated how dehumanizing perceptions of homelessness were associated with age.

In this experimental study, participants (N = 399; Mage = 23) were randomly assigned to scenarios depicting unhoused individuals who were discernibly either older or younger. Participants were prompted with different empathy tasks and assessed on dehumanization levels.

Results revealed older unhoused individuals faced significantly higher levels of dehumanization compared to their younger counterparts. Findings also indicated that older participants and male participants demonstrated stronger dehumanization toward unhoused adults.

Dehumanization may be intensified for unhoused aging individuals due to their intersecting identities. In turn, this may affect willingness to provide care and the quality of services offered, impacting care settings, medical facilities, and policies focused on homelessness. This research sheds light on the complexities of dehumanization, emphasizing the urgency to address these linked biases to create more inclusive and supportive environments for unhoused aging individuals.