Summary: The Influence Of Psychological Distress On Homelessness

Modern studies have described a high prevalence of psychological disorders among the homeless. As part of a community-based survey of 529 homeless adults, a model was formulated and verified to increase the realization of the issues linked to their psychological distress. Results found that homeless adults were more probable to report psychological distress than the general population (80% vs. 49%). Distress levels were not related with most demographic or homeless characteristics or usual appearance. Conversely, distress was linked with joblessness, significant cigarette and alcohol use, poor physical health, less social supports, and perceived obstructions to locating needed medical care. As psychological, physical, and social health are strongly interconnected among homeless adults, lessening distress among them may be
most efficiently done by employing a broad-based health services platform coupled with employment programs provided in an accessible service delivery location (Gelberg & Linn, 1989). In one cross-sectional research, the prevalence of psychological distress and possible lifetime psychological disorders between homeless mothers, their use of facilities, and the association between maternal and child psychological health issues were reported.
The study involved a cross-sectional evaluation of 110 mothers and 157 children living in homeless shelters in Los Angeles. The majority (72%) of sheltered homeless mothers expressed high current psychological distress or symptoms of a possible lifetime major psychological illness or substance abuse. Still, few mothers (15%) in need of services obtained mental health care, and the key point of contact for those with a psychological health issues was the general medical sector. Mothers with a possible psychological disorder were also more apt to have children with either depression or behavior issues. Homeless mothers have a greater level of unmet demand for psychological health services. The association between maternal and child issues underscores the need for homeless family interventions that encourage access to psychiatric care for both generations (Zima, Wells, Benjamin, & Duan,
1996).
Kamieniecki (2001) also conducted a research to examine the prevalence literature on psychological distress and psychiatric disorders between homeless adolescents in Australia, and to relate these rates with Australian adolescents all together. Computerized records were used to obtain all published Australian researches on psychological distress (as measured by standardized symptom scales and suicidal behavior) and psychiatric disorders among homeless adolescents; moreover, unpublished Australian studies were used whenever available. A total of 14 separate studies were located, only three of which have involved non-homeless control groups. In the present review, prevalence records from uncontrolled adolescent homelessness studies are contrasted with records from Australian community and student surveys. Results concluded that the homeless adolescents have generally scored considerably higher on standardized measures of psychological distress than all domiciled control groups. Adolescent homelessness studies have also expressed very high rates of suicidal behavior. Additionally, rates of several psychiatric disorders are generally at least twice as high between homeless adolescents than between youth from community surveys. Therefore, homeless adolescents in Australia have very high rates of psychological distress and psychiatric disorders. As homeless adolescents are at risk of generating psychiatric disorders and probably self-injurious conduct the more they are homeless, early mediation in appropriate health services is essential.