Psychosocial predictors of rule following in hostels for women experiencing homelessness

Abstract

This study examined the psychosocial factors impacting upon the rulefollowing behaviour of residents of a hostel providing crisis accommodation to women who are homeless. After their arrival, residents of a women's hostel (N 5 83) completed questionnaires assessing the theory of planned behaviour constructs of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control (PBC), and intentions related to rule following while residing at the hostel. Perceived resident group norms for rule following were assessed also. Follow-up staff evaluations of the target behaviour were completed after participants ceased their hostel residence. As expected, attitude, subjective norm, PBC, and group norm significantly predicted intention to follow hostel rules, and intention and PBC predicted rule-following behaviour. As rule following is a crucial requirement for continuation of their stay, these findings can inform strategies to improve the experiences and outcomes of women's short-term hostel stays. C

Safer in Jail? A Comparison of Victimization History and Psychological Adjustment Between Previously Homeless and Non-Homeless Incarcerated Women

“…Despite the increasing prevalence of women who are incarcerated and at risk of being homeless, these women may be considered “a hidden population” (Hatton, Kleffer, & Fisher, 2006, p. 119). Given these statistics, more efforts are needed to identify effective interventions for these women and to promote gender responsive policies (Asberg & Renk, 2013; Begun & Hammond, 2012; Jasinski, Wesely, Wright, & Mustaine, 2010; Ponce, Staeheli Lawless, & Rowe, 2014; Speir, Johnson, & Jirojwong, 2013; Weiser et al, 2009; White & Wood, 2011). Finally, given that a majority of previously incarcerated women report that homelessness contributed to their return to crime (Martin et al, 2012), assessing the experiences of this group may be useful for service providers.…”