The Experience of Becoming Homeless
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Authors
Chuma, John
Issue Date
2012
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
“Homelessness”,“ Learned Helplessness”,“Qualitative Research”,"Phenomenology"
Alternative Title
Abstract
This is a qualitative study of how individuals experience the process of homelessness. Homelessness is a condition that is experienced by as many as 3.5 million people per year in the United States. While homelessness is undoubtedly not a new phenomenon in America, the number of homeless has significantly increased over the last 30 years; furthermore, we have seen an increase in the numbers of homeless women with children and homeless families. In this study, ten individuals who recently experienced homelessness participated in a semi-structured interview, and the data was then analyzed using conventional content analysis. The data suggested that individuals facing the potential of becoming homeless reported feelings of helplessness and became passive in their efforts to avoid homelessness. These cognitive and behavioral characteristics closely resemble that of the psychological phenomenon commonly referred to as learned helplessness. The common themes that emerged among the participants' descriptions were: 1) Homelessness results from direct and indirect consequences of substance use, 2) the participant intentionally chose homelessness as an alternative to the responsibilities of life, 3) the participant understood that homelessness was a real possibility and initially took actions to prevent it from happening, 4) the participant understood homelessness as a real possibility and welcomed/encouraged the prospect of homelessness, 5) the participant experienced initial homelessness with feelings of shame and guilt, 6) initial homelessness had a significant negative impact on the participants' mental health, 7) initial homelessness is viewed as an challenge/obstacle to overcome, 8) some aspects of initial homelessness were experienced as enjoyable/positive, 9) the participant found unity among the homeless culture and benevolence from the community, 10) the experience of homelessness has had some positive influences on the participant's present life, 11) the experience of homelessness has had lasting negative effects on the participant's self-image, and 12) having been through homelessness, the The participant offered advice to other individuals who were facing the possibility of homelessness. Clinical applications were discussed, including how individuals experienced the process of becoming homeless, the concept of learned helplessness and how it pertains to those facing potential homelessness, and the strong influence of spirituality in the homeless culture. Clinical implications and directions for future research were also identified.