Personal Resources and Homelessness in Early Life: Predictors of Depression in Consumers of Homeless MultiService Centers

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between personal resources and previous adverse life events such as homelessness and depression. Participants were recruited from two church sponsored multisite social service centers in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The interview included demographics and several standardized scales to assess history of homelessness, medical history, personal resources, and depressive symptoms. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that participants with higher levels of depressive symptoms were older, had a history of homelessness, had more health problems, had a history of mental illness, and had lower self-esteem, mastery, and mattering. A subanalysis indicated that individuals who had experienced homelessness at or before age 21 had higher levels of depressive symptoms than those who were first homeless as an adult. Previous history of homelessness, especially before age 21, and lack of personal resources may place individuals at risk for psychological distress, including higher levels of depressive symptoms.

Notes

Note. Mean age was 40.25 years (SD = 11.44, range = 18–80); mean monthly income was $875.13 (SD = $758.51).

^a Number and percentage of respondents.

Note. The dependent variable was CES-D score.

∗p < .05

∗∗p < .001.

Note. The dependent variable was CES-D score.

∗p < .05.

∗Michael O'Rourke is now a Program Analyst at the Office of Budget, Department of Health and Human Services.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bruce R. DeForge

Bruce R. DeForge, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the School Social Work at the University of Maryland-Baltimore. His primary research interests are homelessness, poverty, mental health, stigma, and social psychological aspects of health.

John R. Belcher

John R. Belcher, M.Div., Ph.D., LCSW-C. is a Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland. His primary research interests are poverty and homelessness.

Michael O'Rourke∗

Michael O'Rourke, M.S.W. was a master's student when the research was performed and is now a Program Analyst, Office of Budget, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views of this paper do not reflect the policies or findings of the United States or HHS.

Michael A. Lindsey

Michael A. Lindsey, Ph.D., M.S.W., M.P.H. is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and the School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. His specialty is child and adolescent mental health services research; in particular, the investigation of prohibitive factors that lead to unmet mental health need among vulnerable youth.