Rationale/Background: Homelessness is a complex problem facing health and social systems worldwide. Women, as heads of families, comprise the fastest growing group of homeless persons in the United States. Specific Aims/Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare women who have experienced homelessness to those who have not experienced homelessness. The focus of this presentation will be the comparison of current and childhood social support, reciprocity, and conflict. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was used. Homeless (n=94) and never-homeless (n=88) women were interviewed. The questionnaires (Interpersonal Relationship Inventory and Interpersonal Relationship Inventory - Adapted) measured social support, reciprocity, conflict. Analysis: T-tests were used to assess the magnitude of differences between women who had and women who had not experienced homelessness on all variables. Using the Bonferroni correction, a significance level of p=.01 was regarded as statistically significant. Findings: Significant differences were found between the two groups regarding current social support (t=-4.5, p < .001); reciprocity (t=-2.5, p < .01); and a trend toward significance regarding conflict (t=2.5, p < .05). Implications and Significance: Recommendations for long-term interventions for women and girls include development of positive support networks, early identification of risk factors, relationship building, violence prevention, positive female role modeling and policy development at local, state and national levels.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe factors that contribute to homelessness in women. 2. Identify policy implications for homelessness prevention.
Keywords: Homeless, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.