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Abstract
Using the Irrational Beliefs Test (Jones, 1977), 171 homeless veterans were assessed regarding various personal philosophies. It was found that the homeless group achieved higher (more irrational) scores than general adults on scales measuring Emotional Irresponsibility, Avoidance, and Helplessness. Lower (less irrational) scores were obtained by the homeless group on scales measuring Approval and Dependence. The homeless sample also was found to score lower (more rational) on the Approval scale than the psychiatric sample provided in the norms. Interventions designed to impact at least some aspects ofthe “irrational” beliefs may be important to facilitate the homeless to achieve a greater degree ofintegration within mainstream society. Those interventions may result in a greater reliance on social agencies that are part ofthe “safety net,” designed to minimize the need to live on the streets.