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From homelessness to community: psychological integration of women who have experienced homelessness
Author(s) -
Nemiroff Rebecca,
Aubry Tim,
Klodawsky Fran
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.20486
Subject(s) - disadvantaged , neighbourhood (mathematics) , community integration , psychology , longitudinal study , supportive housing , clinical psychology , psychiatry , medicine , economic growth , mathematical analysis , physical therapy , mathematics , pathology , economics
This longitudinal study examined psychological integration of women who were homeless at the study's outset. Participants ( N = 101) were recruited at homeless shelters and participated in 2 in‐person interviews, approximately 2 years apart. A predictive model identifying factors associated with having a psychological sense of community within one's neighbourhood was developed from previous empirical research and tested. Having dependent children, living in higher quality housing, and having more positive contact with neighbours predicted higher levels of psychological integration. Counter to predictions, living in one's current housing for longer predicted lower levels of psychological integration in this sample. The findings suggest the importance of providing high‐quality, affordable housing in disadvantaged neighbourhoods to facilitate psychological reintegration into the community. In addition, providing opportunities for positive contact with neighbours might contribute to helping women who have experienced homelessness become psychologically integrated in their communities. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.