Understanding Depression in Homeless and Single Mothers Living in Shelters

Date of Conferral

11-6-2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Sally Willis

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand the lived experience of homeless and single mothers who lived in a shelter and were actively caring for their children while faced with depression and other mental health issues. The Hopelessness Theory of Depression [HTD] framed the study. Data was collected from 10 participants from two shelters in the Greater Hartford region of Connecticut who met the criteria of being single, 18 years or older, having dependent children, and living in a shelter. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Data analysis consisted of varying themes, categories, and patterns that appeared using a deductive approach to the research questions of the factors that contributed to homelessness, the experience of homeless mothers living in shelters, and the experience of living with depression while homeless. The results indicated that although they shared the common denominator of homelessness, the factors that led to homelessness, their lived experience in a shelter, and their mental status were similar yet different. The themes identified were (a) physical, verbal, and mental abuse, (b) the lack of privacy, (c) depression and other mental health problems, and (d) hesitance to seek or access healthcare for themselves. This study may be instrumental in the application of positive social change strategies in the purposeful planning of care for homeless mothers and their families and within shared support services while promoting conscious awareness of this under-recognized social and public health issue amongst homeless mothers with depression and other mental health issues, living in shelters.

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