The University of Southampton
University of Southampton Institutional Repository

The role of cognitive functioning within the homeless population

The role of cognitive functioning within the homeless population
The role of cognitive functioning within the homeless population
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.
Dowling, Noreen
3bee7ab7-f412-494d-8017-ceee57b34c6f
Dowling, Noreen
3bee7ab7-f412-494d-8017-ceee57b34c6f
Maguire, Nick
ebc88e0a-3c1e-4b3a-88ac-e1dad740011b

Dowling, Noreen (2014) The role of cognitive functioning within the homeless population. University of Southampton, Psychology, Doctoral Thesis, 141pp.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

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.

Text
Noreen Dowling final thesis verion pdf[1].pdf - Other
Download (2MB)

More information

Published date: May 2014
Organisations: University of Southampton, Psychology

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 370408
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/370408
PURE UUID: 930fc91f-5d66-49a5-901b-b5cfced26d26
ORCID for Nick Maguire: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-4295-8068

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 27 Oct 2014 16:54
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:08

Export record

Contributors

Author: Noreen Dowling
Thesis advisor: Nick Maguire ORCID iD

Download statistics

Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.

View more statistics

Atom RSS 1.0 RSS 2.0

Contact ePrints Soton: eprints@soton.ac.uk

ePrints Soton supports OAI 2.0 with a base URL of http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/cgi/oai2

This repository has been built using EPrints software, developed at the University of Southampton, but available to everyone to use.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive cookies on the University of Southampton website.

×