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Urban Stress Indirectly Influences Psychological Symptoms through Its Association with Distress Tolerance and Perceived Social Support among Adults Experiencing Homelessness

Author

Listed:
  • Daphne C. Hernandez

    (Cizik School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Sajeevika S. Daundasekara

    (Department of Health & Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Michael J. Zvolensky

    (Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
    HEALTH Research Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Lorraine R. Reitzel

    (HEALTH Research Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
    Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Diane Santa Maria

    (Cizik School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Adam C. Alexander

    (Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA)

  • Darla E. Kendzor

    (Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA)

  • Michael S. Businelle

    (Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK 73104, USA)

Abstract

Traditionally, intrapersonal characteristics (distress tolerance) and interpersonal characteristics (social support) have been studied separately rather than simultaneously. In the current study, we address this gap by simultaneously examining these characteristics as potential indirect associations linking established urban stress–depression and urban stress–Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) relationships. Adults experiencing homelessness were recruited from six homeless shelters in Oklahoma City (n = 567). Participants self-reported urban life stress (Urban Life Stress Scale), distress tolerance (Distress Tolerance Scale), social support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List 12), major depressive disorder (Patient Health Questionnaire-8), and PTSD symptoms (Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder screener). Covariate-adjusted structural equation models indicated a significant indirect effect of distress tolerance on the urban stress–depression (b = 0.101, 95% CI = 0.061, 0.147) and urban stress–PTSD (b = 0.065, 95% CI = 0.023, 0.112) relationships. Additionally, a significant indirect effect of social support on the urban stress–depression (b = 0.091, 95% CI = 0.053, 0.133) and urban stress-PTSD relationships (b = 0.043, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.082) was evident. Further, both the urban stress–depression (b = 0.022, 95% CI = 0.011, 0.037) and urban stress–PTSD relationships (b = 0.014, 95% CI = 0.005, 0.026) were associated indirectly through social support to distress tolerance. Interventions that aim to increase social support may also increase distress tolerance skills and indirectly reduce depressive and PTSD symptoms in the context of urban stress among adults experiencing homelessness.

Suggested Citation

  • Daphne C. Hernandez & Sajeevika S. Daundasekara & Michael J. Zvolensky & Lorraine R. Reitzel & Diane Santa Maria & Adam C. Alexander & Darla E. Kendzor & Michael S. Businelle, 2020. "Urban Stress Indirectly Influences Psychological Symptoms through Its Association with Distress Tolerance and Perceived Social Support among Adults Experiencing Homelessness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:15:p:5301-:d:388509
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fischer, P.J. & Shapiro, S. & Breakey, W.R. & Anthony, J.C. & Kramer, M., 1986. "Mental health and social characteristics of the homeless: A survey of mission users," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 76(5), pages 519-524.
    2. Wong, Yin-Ling Irene & Piliavin, Irving, 2001. "Stressors, resources, and distress among homeless persons: : a longitudinal analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 52(7), pages 1029-1042, April.
    3. White, A.M. & Philogene, G.S. & Fine, L. & Sinha, S., 2009. "Social support and self-reported health status of older adults in the United States," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(10), pages 1872-1878.
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    Cited by:

    1. David A. Sleet & Louis Hugo Francescutti, 2021. "Homelessness and Public Health: A Focus on Strategies and Solutions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-6, November.

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