Distinguishing Between Homeless and Unstably Housed Men on Risk Factors for Homelessness

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DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN HOMELESS AND UNSTABLY HOUSED MEN ON RISK FACTORS FOR HOMELESSNESS By Valerie L. Holton A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Director: Ann Nichols-Casebolt, Ph.D Associate Vice President for Research Development This study explored the risk factors for homelessness in single men, the largest group of people experiencing homelessness and a group about which little is known regarding their risks for homelessness. A case control design was used to differentiate risk factors between men who were homeless and men who were unstably housed. Risk factors included cumulative risk, negative life events, and demographic factors. Two models were tested using discriminant function analysis (DFA). The Cumulative Risk Model did not significantly differentiate between the two groups. However, the Negative Life Events Model yielded one discriminant function that significantly differentiated between the groups and correctly classified approximately 72.4% of the overall cases. Negative life events regarding the loss of housing, unstable housing, and family conflict/disruption were the most important discriminating variables. Furthermore, homeless men were associated with more experiences of loss of housing and family conflict/disruption, and with fewer experiences of housing instability. Implications for policy, social work practice, and research are discussed.