The links between head injury and homelessness: A qualitative study

Findlay, Gemma (2016) The links between head injury and homelessness: A qualitative study. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Background and aims:
Head injury (HI) is a cause of cognitive impairment within the homeless population (Hwang et al, 2008). One study reported that over a 30-year period, the prevalence of hospitalised HI was 5.4 times higher in the homeless than in the general population (McMillan et al, 2015). This study explores the perceptions of homeless adults who have sustained a HI and their views regarding the relevance of HI to their homeless status.
Methods:
Participants were seven homeless adults with a moderate or severe HI. They were asked to talk about their journey to homelessness and in particular, to reflect on any perceived links between HI and their homeless status. The data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
Results and conclusions:
Emerging themes included: impairment following HI; substance misuse, feeling let down by services and difficult relationships with family. Evidence for the role of HI in precipitating and maintaining homelessness was found. Despite this, co-morbid difficulties complicate the picture. Four out of seven participants viewed substance misuse as their primary difficulty. This illustrates the need for in-depth assessment within this population in order to ensure that difficulties are fully understood and that the correct supports/ interventions are offered.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Head injury, homelessness.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: McMillan, Professor Thomas and Wilson, Dr. Sarah
• Date of Award: 2016
• Depositing User: Miss Gemma Findlay
• Unique ID: glathesis:2016-7633
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 17 Oct 2016 14:38
• Last Modified: 11 Nov 2016 11:36
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/7633