Social assets and mental distress among the homeless: Exploring the roles of social support and other forms of social capital on depression

Irwin, Jay A.; LaGory, Mark; Ritchey, Ferris J.; Fitzpatrick, Kevin M.

doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.09.008

Cited by 131 publications

(136 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…A few scholars have documented that having access to social support is associated with fewer negative mental health symptoms among homeless youth and can reduce the frequency of suicidality and other maladaptive behaviors (Castro et al 2014;Fulginiti et al 2016;Irwin et al 2008;Moskowitz et al 2013;Unger et al 1998). Social support from personal networks can also offer critical instrumental coping assistance in finding employment and being successful in finding housing (Barman-Adhikari and Rice 2014;Holtschneider 2016).…”

Section: The Support Network Of Rhymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Social Support Networks and the Mental Health of Runaway and Homeless Youth

2017

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Abstract:In response to growing concerns about the rising number of runaway and homeless youth (RHY) in the U.S., researchers have sought to improve the scientific understanding of health and mental health needs, as well as the social resources available to these youths. In this paper, we examine the relationship between personal support network resources and the mental health status of a sample of RHY (N = 693) surveyed in metro-Atlanta, Georgia. The results suggest that having more supportive network ties reduces the risk of youth experiencing significant symptoms of a severe mental illness. We also find that older youth and youth who have been homeless for six months or longer have fewer personal support network resources. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our findings for future research and services for this exceptionally vulnerable population.

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Section: The Support Network Of Rhymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Sci. 2017, 6, 117 2 of 16 incredibly resourceful and resilient and that social network support is often a critical resource for managing their difficult life circumstances (Irwin et al 2008;Kidd and Shahar 2008;Rew et al 2001;Snyder et al 2016;Unger et al 1998).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social Support Networks and the Mental Health of Runaway and Homeless Youth

2017

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“…For persons who do become homeless, social capital can affect one's ability to transition back into a stable and housed living situation (Bassuk and Rosenberg 1988;Bassuk et al 1997;Eyrich, Pollio, and North 2003;Hawkins and Abrams 2007;Hopper 2003;Irwin et al 2008;National Health Care for the Homeless Council 2003;Rossi 1989;Shinn, Knickman, and Weitzman 1991;Wright 2009;Zugazaga 2008). Most people who find themselves near homelessness can turn to family and friends for help.…”

Section: Social Capitalmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Social capital can help contribute to, or mitigate, homelessness (Bassuk and Rosenberg 1988;Bassuk et al 1997;Eyrich, Pollio, and North 2003;Hawkins and Abrams 2007;Hopper 2003;Irwin et al 2008;National Health Care for the Homeless Council 2003;Rossi 1989;Shinn, Knickman, and Weitzman 1991;Wright 2009;Zugazaga 2008). In this section I examine the literature which focuses specifically on social capital and homelessness, including research on the role of social and kinship networks in preventing homelessness; the phenomenon of people "using up" their social capital; and the function of social networks and capital for persons once they become homeless.…”

Section: Social Capital and Homelessnessmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…(Bassuk and Rosenberg 1988;Bassuk et al 1997;Eyrich, Pollio, and North 2003;Hawkins and Abrams 2007;Hopper 2003;Irwin et al 2008;National Health Care for the Homeless Council 2003;Rossi 1989;Shinn, Knickman, and Weitzman 1991;Wright, Rubin, and Devine 1998;Wright 2009;Zugazaga 2008). In this section I will examine how the homeless and precariously housed men interviewed for this study discussed their own access to support from family and friends, including how this varies between the racial and ethnic groups, as well as according to housing status.…”

Section: Social Capitalmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Not Getting By: Poverty Management and Homelessness in Miami

Mahar¹

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Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated With Nonfatal Overdose Among Veterans Who Have Experienced Homelessness

et al. 2020

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IMPORTANCE Individuals with a history of homelessness are at increased risk for drug or alcohol overdose, although the proportion who have had recent nonfatal overdose is unknown. Understanding risk factors associated with nonfatal overdose could guide efforts to prevent fatal overdose. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of recent overdose and the individual contributions of drugs and alcohol to overdose and to identify characteristics associated with overdose among veterans who have experienced homelessness. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This survey study was conducted from November 15, 2017, to October 1, 2018, via mailed surveys with telephone follow-up for nonrespondents. Eligible participants were selected from the records of 26 US Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and included veterans who had received primary care at 1 of these Veterans Affairs medical centers and had a history of experiencing homelessness according to administrative data. Preliminary analyses were conducted in October 2018, and final analyses were conducted in January 2020. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Self-report of overdose (such that emergent medical care was obtained) in the previous 3 years and substances used during the most recent overdose. All percentages are weighted according to propensity to respond to the survey, modeled from clinical characteristics obtained in electronic health records. RESULTS A total of 5766 veterans completed the survey (completion rate, 40.2%), and data on overdose were available for 5694 veterans. After adjusting for the propensity to respond to the survey, the mean (SD) age was 56.4 (18.3) years; 5100 veterans (91.6%) were men, 2225 veterans (38.1%) were black, and 2345 veterans (40.7%) were white. A total of 379 veterans (7.4%) reported any overdose during the past 3 years; 228 veterans (4.6%) reported overdose involving drugs, including 83 veterans (1.7%) who reported overdose involving opioids. Overdose involving alcohol was reported by 192 veterans (3.7%). In multivariable analyses, white race (odds ratio, 2.44 [95% CI, 2.00-2.98]), self-reporting a drug problem (odds ratio, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.39-1.98]) or alcohol problem (odds ratio, 2.54 [95% CI, 2.16-2.99]), and having witnessed someone else overdose (odds ratio, 2.34 [95% CI, 1.98-2.76]) were associated with increased risk of overdose. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that nonfatal overdose is relatively common among veterans who have experienced homelessness. While overdose involving alcohol was more common than any specific drug, 1.7% of veterans reported overdose involving opioids. Improving access to addiction treatment for veterans who are experiencing homelessness or who are (continued) Key Points Question How common is nonfatal overdose among veterans who have experienced homelessness, and what are the risk factors and substances involved in overdoses? Findings In this survey study including 5766 veterans nationwide who have experienced homelessness, 7.4% of veterans reported an overdose in the previous 3 ...

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Social assets and mental distress among the homeless: Exploring the roles of social support and other forms of social capital on depression

Cited by 131 publications

References 45 publications

Social Support Networks and the Mental Health of Runaway and Homeless Youth

Social Support Networks and the Mental Health of Runaway and Homeless Youth

Not Getting By: Poverty Management and Homelessness in Miami

Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated With Nonfatal Overdose Among Veterans Who Have Experienced Homelessness

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