Factors implicated in homelessness

Homelessness continues to be a problem within society and over recent decades research into factors implicated in homelessness has featured in the literature. Within the literature a conceptual distinction is generally made between macro:level factors such as poverty and the limited availability of low-cost housing which explain the existence of homelessness within society, and micro-level factors, the focus of the current thesis, which influence individual vulnerability to becoming or remaining homeless. Initially, the literature regarding micro-level vulnerability factors for homelessness is reviewed, with five particular areas being selected for in-depth review. Models of the interrelationships between vulnerability factors are then described and discussed. Particularly strong evidence is found for childhood risk factors and substance use disorders constituting micro-level vulnerability factors for homelessness. It is also noted that empirical studies investigating the relationships between micro-level vulnerability factors for homelessness are limited in number and fail to consider the psychological processes which might mediate these relationships. On these grounds the present study sought to determine whether experiential avoidance mediates the relationship between poor childhood attachment and alcohol dependence in a sample of sixty homeless individuals. Somewhat surprisingly in the light of previous research linking childhood attachment and alcohol dependence, no significant association was found, suggesting that if these factors increase risk for homelessness, they do so independently. Significant predictive relationships were found, however, with regard to childhood attachment