Role of Psychological and Social Security in Predicting Depression Among Women Living in the Homeless Shelters of Tehran

Abstract

Background: Homelessness is a common phenomenon in all human societies and leads to many social, psychological, and physical consequences for the homeless people and society. This study aimed to determine the role of psychological and social security in predicting depression among women living in the homeless shelters of Tehran. Methods: It was a descriptive correlational study. The research population included all women living in the homeless shelters of Tehran, in 2020. The subjects were selected using random, multistage cluster sampling. Two homeless shelters were selected. The final sample included 150 women. The data were collected using the security-insecurity inventory and the Beck depression inventory. The collected data were analyzed using the multiple regression analysis in SPSS V. 22. Results: The results showed that the feeling of psychological security predicts depression in women (R=0.48). Also, 23% of the variances in depression were explained by psychological security. Therefore, psychological security can predict depression (with 99% confidence) in these women. Moreover, the feeling of social security can predict the rate of depression in women (MR=-0.55). This implies that approximately 30% of the variances of depression can be explained by social security. The beta coefficient for social security was -0.55. Accordingly, social security can predict depression (with 99% confidence) in women living in homeless shelters. The negative signs of the beta coefficients indicated a negative relationship between the predictor and the criterion variables. In other words, the higher the psychological and social security, the lower the rate of depression in women. Conclusion: This study showed that the psychological and social security levels of these women were correlated with the degree of depression experienced. Using the insights from this study, counselors, psychiatric nurses, and other mental health professionals are suggested to create a friendly and safe environment for clients to express their feelings and lessen their depression.