Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Few studies have investigated cognitive functioning within the homeless population but it has been recognised as a significant difficulty within this group. A review of the literature considered studies that investigated the different components of cognitive functioning and their prevalence with the homeless population. The potential factors that may have contributed to the cognitive dysfunction were then discussed. Though associations were not found in many areas, the complexity of this population is highlighted and the need for more comprehensive method of compiling this data is discussed. The influence of the different types of cognitive impairment is then considered and discussed with regard to clinical implications. Prevalence of childhood abuse, executive functioning difficulties and problem behaviours are high within the homeless population. The relationship between childhood abuse and problem behaviours has been found in a number of previous studies but the mediating effect of executive functioning has not so far been investigated. The empirical paper used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 83 participants recruited from homeless shelters in Southampton to investigate these relationships using self-report questionnaires and psychometrics to assess IQ and executive functioning. Results showed that this population showed scores of IQ and executive functioning that fell below the general population. Bootstrapping methodology suggested that a measure of impulsivity mediated the relationship between childhood abuse and problems behaviours. Further analysis also found associations between some of the subscales of the measures. These findings support the importance of considering these impairments when planning interventions for these population and also assessing interventions targeting these deficits within this group.
Author: Noreen Dowling
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2161949484