Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Medha S. Talpade

Abstract

AbstractHomelessness affects over half a million people in the United States and millions worldwide. While permanent supportive housing initiatives like Housing First have successfully improved homeless wellbeing, recent research has shown that housing alone is not a solution; it requires add-on programming to assist in mitigating the causal factors. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the social networking and self-efficacy of currently homeless and those who have successfully transitioned to supportive housing in the unique social and geographical environment of O’ahu, Hawai’i. A phenomenological study design using criterion sampling for semi structured interviews of four houseless and three housed participants was used. Thematic analysis and interpretation of the lived experiences of these individuals were guided by social cognitive theory and the reaffiliation motive. Emergent themes revealed obstacles to socially connecting, which included lack of education and tools, mistrust of others' motivations, fear of physical/emotional harm from or to others, substance use, and psychological disorders. A second theme revealed promoters of socially connecting, which included the desire to join group activities, learn new things, be useful, and self-preservation. The findings can inform positive social change through identifying practice and policy needs for intervention and additional programming to develop self-efficacy and social skills building to increase inclusion and reduce recidivism currently experienced by permanent supportive housing initiatives.

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