Are there ethnic differences in risk factors for homelessness among urban indigent men and women without psychotic disorder? This question was explored in a NIDA-funded study of 400 subjects in New York City, half of whom were new admissions to shelters for the homeless (homeless group), and half of whom were applicants for public assistance (never homeless group). None had a current or past psychotic disorder or had ever been treated in a psychiatric hospital. Homeless and never homeless groups were stratified by gender and matched on ethnicity. Fifty-eight percent were black, 36 percent were Hispanic, and 6 percent were white. Three domains of risk factors for homelessness were explored using standardized interviewer assessment instruments: 1) psychopathology and substance use; 2) childhood antecedents and family support; and 3) patterns of service use. Black, Hispanic, and white subjects were compared separately for each of the four study groups.No differences in risk factors for homelessness in any of the three domains were found among men. White women who had never been homeless had less adequate family support than black or Hispanic women (F=2.64; p<.003.) Never homeless white women had greater PANSS negative symptoms (F=7.6; p<.001) and greater overall psychopathology (F=3.2; p=.044) than their black or Hispanic counterparts. In contrast, Hispanic women in both never homeless and homeless groups had greater PANSS depression ((F=4.3; p=.016; and F=3.6; p=.032, respectively). Findings are discussed in relation to both homelessness and two competing hypotheses on cross-cultural differences in psychological distress.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. List ethnic differences in risk factors for homelessness among indigent men and women with no history of psychotic disorder; 2. Evaluate the significance of ethnic differences in family support and psychopathology in relation to hypotheses on cross-cultural differences in psychological distress; 3. Assess the role of gender and ethnicity in future work on homelessness
Keywords: Ethnic Minorities, Homelessness
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Not applicable
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.