Longitudinal patterns of childhood homelessness and early adolescent trajectories of internalising and externalising behaviour

Abstract

BackgroundChild homelessness has been associated with elevated mental health problems during early adolescence, a period of onset for psychiatric problems. Prior literature has relied on cross-sectional studies, limiting the understanding of temporality and trajectories of psychopathology. We extend prior literature by examining associations between child homelessness and internalising and externalising symptom trajectories in early adolescence, with consideration of timing and persistence of homelessness.MethodsUsing population-based longitudinal data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, we used multilevel models to examine the effects of homelessness prior to age 9, the timing of homelessness (eg, early vs middle childhood) and cumulative exposure to homelessness on internalising and externalising trajectories across ages <0–9 years. We also tested for sex differences in these associations.ResultsOf the 8391 participants, 5.5% reported exposure to homelessness at least once before age 9. Children who experienced homelessness had elevated internalising and externalising symptoms compared with their consistently housed peers, with excess risk evident among children who first experienced homelessness in middle childhood (relative to early childhood) and children who experienced recurrent homelessness. We did not observe changes in symptom trajectories over the course of 4 years. Men who experienced homelessness displayed a more pronounced risk of internalising symptoms relative to women and men who did not experience homelessness.ConclusionChildhood homelessness is associated with persistently elevated internalising and externalising symptoms across early adolescence compared with their consistently housed peers. Interventions and policies to address family homelessness may lead to better mental health among adolescents.

A framework for how homelessness impacts children's attachments to their caregiver

“…This study does not mention whether the children were securely attached before homelessness, but the results show how the later onset of homelessness could turn a secure relationship into an insecure one. Kim et al (2023) studied how the timing of homelessness (early childhood [ages 0-5] and middle childhood [ages 6-8]) impacts children at 9 years old. They found that those who become homeless during middle childhood had the highest internalizing and externalizing scores at 9 years old when compared to the children who never became homeless.…”

“…Kim et al (2023) studied how the timing of homelessness (early childhood [ages 0–5] and middle childhood [ages 6–8]) impacts children at 9 years old. They found that those who become homeless during middle childhood had the highest internalizing and externalizing scores at 9 years old when compared to the children who never became homeless.…”