NCJ Number
121168
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1989) Pages: 482-501
Date Published
1989
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Life-style/exposure theory and research findings concerning the consequences of criminal victimization were used to generate a set of hypotheses concerning the causes and consequences of criminal attack among the homeless.
Abstract
The sample for the study consisted of 79 homeless people residing in a midwestern state. The results largely supported the predictions. Employment problems, substance abuse, and, to a lesser degree, a history of psychological treatment increased involvement in a life-style based on desperate survival strategies (e.g., panhandling, rummaging through dumpsters, collecting cans, etc.). High utilization of these survival strategies was associated with high risk of criminal victimization. Being the victim of criminal attack, in turn, reduced feelings of self-efficacy and increased psychological distress. (Author abstract)