Religiosity among adults who are chronically homeless: association with clinical and psychosocial outcomes

Psychiatr Serv. 2011 Oct;62(10):1222-4. doi: 10.1176/ps.62.10.pss6210_1222.

Abstract

Objective: This study examined changes in religious faith among homeless people enrolled in a supported housing program and their association with clinical and psychosocial outcomes.

Methods: A total of 582 clients at 11 sites were separated into three groups based on whether they reported a decrease, an increase, or no change in their religiosity scores at one-year follow-up. Groups were compared on outcomes controlled for baseline measures.

Results: At one-year follow-up, participants who gained faith reported doing more volunteer work, being more engaged in community activities, and having a higher quality of life than those who lost faith. Participants who reported a large gain in faith had better mental health ratings than those who reported a large loss in faith.

Conclusions: Religious faith is a correlate of improvement among chronically homeless adults and may influence clinical and psychosocial outcomes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / psychology*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spirituality*