How to Enhance Social Participation and Well-Being in (Formerly) Homeless Clients: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

Miranda Rutenfrans-Stupar,René Schalk,Tine Van Regenmortel

doi:10.1007/s11205-019-02099-8

Abstract

In the present study we examined care-related and demographic predictors of well-being among 225 (formerly) homeless clients of a Dutch organisation providing shelter services and ambulatory care (shelter facility). The role of social participation as a mediator was considered. Social participation is important for homeless people, as they are often socially isolated. Moreover, social participation enhances well-being and induces happiness. In this study we used the following care-related predictors: (1) participation in various group activities in the shelter facility, and (2) client’s experiences with care, such as their satisfaction with the social worker and the shelter facility. Additionally, age and education level were included as demographic predictors. Results from Structural Equation Modelling show that the client’s experiences with care and education level are predictors of well-being with a mediating role for social participation, and that participation in activities at the shelter facility is a direct predictor of well-being. However, age is not significantly related to social participation or well-being. We suggest that interventions for the homeless should be based on a combination of individual and group approaches. Special attention should be given to the client–worker relationship. We also recommend that vulnerable children are provided with solid education, and we call for research into the cost-effectiveness of group-based interventions.

Highlights

The present study examined predictors of well-being through social participation in homeless clients of a Dutch shelter facility
We found that the clients’ experiences with care and education level are predictors of well-being through social participation and that participation in activities in the safe environment of the shelter facility is a direct predictor of well-being
Our research indicates that a higher satisfaction about (1) the services received, (2) client–worker relationship, and (3) the general satisfaction with the support can lead to a higher level of social participation by clients of the shelter facility

Summary

Introduction

Social participation, defined as ‘involvement in activities that provides social interaction with others in society or the community’ (Levasseur et al 2010, p. 2146), is a strong predictor of well-being and happiness (Phillips 1967; Wallace and Pichler 2009; Eurostat 2010). Social participation of homeless people can be influenced by several factors, such as carerelated, demographic-related, and society- or community-related variables The latter refers to the role of others instead of the role of the homeless person himself or the role of the shelter facility from which he receives support. In the current study, we focused especially on two care-related predictors: (1) clients’ participation in various group activities organised by the shelter facility as a part of the support delivered to (formerly) homeless clients, and (2) clients’ experiences with care We chose these two predictors because they improve social participation and well-being in homeless people (Peden 1993; Kashner et al 2002; Randers et al 2011; Sherry and O’May 2013). In line with previous literature, we included age and education level as demographic predictors of social participation and well-being (Phillips 1967; La Due Lake and Huckfeldt 1998; Wallace and Pichler 2009)

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Conclusion