Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Among Homeless Men

ABSTRACT

As the prevalence of homelessness among men increases, the impact of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder in the lives of homeless men warrants attention. We will review research and clinical reports on the impact of traumatic event exposure, the antecedents and consequences of traumatic events, and homelessness among males in order to begin to develop scientific, public health, and social policy answers to several questions. The nascent clinical and scientific literature provides evidence of the need for prospective studies of the etiology, epidemiology, course, and prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder among males who are at risk for or in the early stages of homelessness. We attempt to summarize, categorize, and suggest important variables and causal relationships that can inform future research studies and interventions in order to contribute to the growth of this underdeveloped and important knowledge base.

Key Words:

• Homelessness
• trauma
• PTSD
• men