Pathways to Homelessness: Childhood Maltreatment and Psychiatric Symptoms Increase Risk of Homelessness

• In Event: New Findings on the Consequences of Childhood Maltreatment: Results of a Prospective Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Homelessness is a serious and increasing public health concern. Childhood maltreatment and psychiatric problems have been associated with homelessness as risk factors; however, reliance on cross-sectional studies introduces ambiguity into interpreting previous findings. We examine whether psychiatric symptoms in part explain the relationship between childhood maltreatment and homelessness using multiple time points across the lifespan. Using data from a prospective cohort design study, individuals with documented histories of childhood maltreatment (ages 0-11 years) and a demographically matched control of children without those histories (N = 1,196) were followed up into middle adulthood and interviewed. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed at mean age 29. Homelessness was assessed at mean ages 29, 39, 41, and 47 years. Structural equation modeling was used to test mediation. Twice as many individuals with histories of childhood maltreatment reported ever being homeless (25.6% versus 12.3%) at age 29, compared to controls. Controlling for past homelessness, psychiatric symptoms predicted future homelessness at mean ages 41 and 47. Three significant paths from childhood maltreatment to future homelessness were identified through depression, PTSD, and ASPD. We discuss implications for policy and practice.

Authors

• Kellie Courtney, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Cathy Spatz Widom, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY