Discrimination and well-being amongst the homeless: the role of multiple group membership

Abstract

The homeless are a vulnerable population in many respects. Those experiencing homelessness not only experience personal and economic hardship they also frequently face discrimination and exclusion because of their housing status. Although past research has shown that identifying with multiple groups can buffer against the negative consequences of discrimination on well-being, it remains to be seen whether such strategies protect well-being of people who are homeless. We investigate this issue in a longitudinal study of 119 individuals who were homeless. The results showed that perceived group-based discrimination at T1 was associated with fewer group memberships, and lower subsequent well-being at T2. There was no relationship between personal discrimination at T1 on multiple group memberships at T2. The findings suggest that the experience of group-based discrimination may hinder connecting with groups in the broader social world — groups that could potentially protect the individual against the negative impact of homelessness and discrimination.

Transitions through homelessness: the impact of psychosocial factors on well-being and outcomes in a homeless sample

“…The average response for multiple group memberships was just below the mid-point of the scale 6 These data were collected as part of a large longitudinal study examining breaking the cycle of homelessness. Different subsets of these data have been reported by Cruwys, Dingle, Hornsey, Jetten, & Walter, 2014;and Johnstone, Jetten, Dingle, Parsell & Walter, 2015. (M = 3.55, SD = 1.82), indicating that there was a tendency that participants slightly disagreed that they belonged to multiple groups. For service identification, the average response was just above the mid-point of the scale (M = 4.38, SD = 1.71), suggesting participants slightly agreed with feeling a sense of belonging and membership at the homeless accommodation service they were residing in.…”

“…This may also reinforce homelessness as a separate and socially devalued other -a constant reminder that they are a quintessential example of Goffman's definition of stigmatised group (1963). Further, because 'homeless people' are often seen as responsible for their situation, both people experiencing homelessness and the wider society are more likely to perceive this stigma as legitimate (Johnstone et al, 2015;Parsell & Parsell, 2012).…”

“…Antecedents of homelessness, such as family breakdown, mental illness, substance use, or unemployment, may be barriers to maintaining or joining groups. Furthermore, there is evidence that the perception that people who are homeless as a group face pervasive discrimination prevents and inhibits individuals' attempts to seek out new group memberships (Johnstone, Jetten, Dingle, Parsell, & Walter, 2015). Second, not all groups may be beneficial for an individual's health and well-being.…”

“…Johnstone et al, 2015;Kellezi & Reicher, 2012;Stevenson, McNamara, & Muldoon, 2014). For example, our previous research with people residing in homeless accommodation services found that higher levels of perceived group-based discrimination were a barrier to joining new groups at the service, presumably because of fear of further rejection (Johnstone, Jetten, Dingle, Parsell, & Walter, 2015).…”

“…However, if an individual perceives greater discrimination than the average level experienced in a service, they may not be able to turn to the group for support or the group may not be able to meet the needs of the individual Johnstone et al, 2015). This may lead to alternative coping strategies, such as disengagement, and be a barrier to connecting and identifying with others Johnstone et al, 2015).…”