Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Yolly Zentella

Abstract

Homelessness among female veterans is a problem that is likely to increase as growing numbers of women in the United States military reestablish themselves into their communities as veterans. The purpose of this quantitavie quasi-experimental study was to determine whether there are differences in posttraumatic stress (PTSD), depression, and hopelessness in homeless versus nonhomeless female veterans who have experienced at least 1 U.S. military deployment. Four theories served as the basis for this research: the cognitive theory of depression, conditioning theory, ecological theory, and the hopelessness of depression theory. The data were collected from 88 female veterans who were deployed at least once. The variables were assessed using the Posttraumatic Checklist–Military Version posttraumatic stress disorder total score,theBeck Depression Inventory-II, total score and, the Beck Hopelessness Scale total score. The 1-way MANOVA findings indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between homeless and nonhomeless female veterans who experienced PTSD and depression but not hopelessness. This research will better serve the VA, clinicians, and communities to assist providing for the psychological and mental health needs required by these soldiers. The research findings may contribute to the provision of permanent and supportive housing for female veterans reintegrating back into civilian life.

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