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Social Network Decay as Potential Recovery from Homelessness: A Mixed Methods Study in Housing First Programming

Author

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  • Elizabeth Golembiewski

    (Department of Health Policy & Management, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, 1050 Wishard Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

  • Dennis P. Watson

    (Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, 1050 Wishard Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

  • Lisa Robison

    (Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, 1050 Wishard Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

  • John W. Coberg II

    (Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, 1050 Wishard Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

Abstract

The positive relationship between social support and mental health has been well documented, but individuals experiencing chronic homelessness face serious disruptions to their social networks. Housing First (HF) programming has been shown to improve health and stability of formerly chronically homeless individuals. However, researchers are only just starting to understand the impact HF has on residents’ individual social integration. The purpose of the current study was to describe and understand changes in social networks of residents living in a HF program. Researchers employed a longitudinal, convergent parallel mixed method design, collecting quantitative social network data through structured interviews (n = 13) and qualitative data through semi-structured interviews (n = 20). Quantitative results demonstrated a reduction in network size over the course of one year. However, increases in both network density and frequency of contact with network members increased. Qualitative interviews demonstrated a strengthening in the quality of relationships with family and housing providers and a shedding of burdensome and abusive relationships. These results suggest network decay is a possible indicator of participants’ recovery process as they discontinued negative relationships and strengthened positive ones.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Golembiewski & Dennis P. Watson & Lisa Robison & John W. Coberg II, 2017. "Social Network Decay as Potential Recovery from Homelessness: A Mixed Methods Study in Housing First Programming," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:6:y:2017:i:3:p:96-:d:109479
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pescosolido, Bernice A. & Wright, Eric R., 2004. "The view from two worlds: The convergence of social network reports between mental health clients and their ties," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 58(9), pages 1795-1806, May.
    2. Hawkins, Robert Leibson & Abrams, Courtney, 2007. "Disappearing acts: The social networks of formerly homeless individuals with co-occurring disorders," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(10), pages 2031-2042, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kirst, Maritt & Friesdorf, Rebecca & Ta, Martha & Amiri, Alexandra & Hwang, Stephen W. & Stergiopoulos, Vicky & O'Campo, Patricia, 2020. "Patterns and effects of social integration on housing stability, mental health and substance use outcomes among participants in a randomized controlled Housing First trial," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 265(C).
    2. Brakenhoff, Brittany & Martin, Jared & Slesnick, Natasha & Holowacz, Eugene & Yilmazer, Tansel & Chavez, Laura & Kelleher, Kelly, 2022. "“I just needed someone to believe in me.” A qualitative analysis of youths’ experiencing homelessness perspectives of a housing first intervention," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    3. Midhat Z. Jafry & Jayda Martinez & Tzuan A. Chen & Michael S. Businelle & Darla E. Kendzor & Lorraine R. Reitzel, 2021. "Perceived Social Support Attenuates the Association between Stress and Health-Related Quality of Life among Adults Experiencing Homelessness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-14, October.
    4. Curtis Smith & Ernesto Castañeda, 2020. "Sick Enough? Mental Illness and Service Eligibility for Homeless Individuals at the Border," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-23, August.

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