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Understanding hoarding behaviours in the context of homelessness
Tiago C Zortea1,2, Fiona Symington1, Alasdair Churchard1
1Department of Experimental Psychology, The Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training & Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|March 18, 2026
Summary
Hoarding difficulties in homelessness are linked to psychosocial vulnerability, not just deprivation. Harm avoidance is a key factor when hoarding and homelessness co-occur, guiding interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Hoarding disorder is a complex condition often co-occurring with other mental health and social challenges.
- Homelessness presents significant psychosocial stressors that may interact with hoarding behaviors.
- Understanding the cognitive beliefs underpinning hoarding in the context of homelessness is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cognitive beliefs, specifically fear of future material deprivation, associated with hoarding among individuals experiencing homelessness.
- To compare housing-related adversities between individuals with hoarding difficulties, homelessness, or both.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, three-group comparative study involving adults in the UK/Ireland.
- Participants were categorized into three groups: hoarding difficulties with homelessness (H&H), hoarding difficulties without homelessness (HD), and homelessness without hoarding difficulties (HM).
- Cognitive beliefs (Beliefs About Hoarding Questionnaire-Revised), housing experiences, and mental health outcomes were assessed.
Main Results:
- Fear of material deprivation and attachment disturbance were elevated in the H&H and HD groups compared to the HM group.
- Harm avoidance was highest in the H&H group.
- The H&H group reported more negative housing experiences than the HD group, and similar levels to the HM group. Higher depression, anxiety, and impairment were observed in the H&H group.
Conclusions:
- Hoarding difficulties in the context of homelessness appear to stem from cumulative psychosocial vulnerability rather than solely from deprivation.
- Harm avoidance may be a particularly significant factor when hoarding and homelessness coexist, indicating potential intervention targets.
- Findings suggest a need for integrated approaches addressing both hoarding and homelessness within mental health and social services.
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