Cultural Competence and the Residents of the Homeward Bound Residential Homeless Program
Graduation Date
1-2010
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Nursing
Department or Program Chair
Luanne Linnard-Palmer, EdD, RN
Thesis Advisor
Barbara Ganley, PhD, RN, HNC
Abstract
Aim: To help define homelessness as a recognizable subculture.
Background: Homelessness is a growing public health issue, with over 3.5 million individuals facing homelessness each day in the United States. The difficulty providing health care to this diverse population is well documented, yet little research approaches this population as a subculture with unique strengths and qualities.
Method: The research design used for this study was the mini-ethnonursing approach as described by Leininger, nurse anthropologist and creator of the Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality. Twelve interviews were conducted with 10 emic and 2 etic participants. The domain of inquiry centered on the concept of home, strengths and weaknesses of the homeless population, and care values. Results: Four major themes were identified as a result of the interviews. They were: home is a relative concept, taking responsibility and accountability is important but is mitigated by loss of hope, the shelter system is both positive and negative for homeless individuals, and becoming homeless is a process, as is leaving homelessness. In addition, recognition of a definite social structure emerged.
Conclusion: Incorporating homeless strengths and values into their care and program planning are imperative. None of the homeless individuals interviewed readily identified with the stereotype of homeless people as perceived by the dominant culture. The homeless individuals in this study demonstrated that needs from the upper level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs model had to be addressed before lower level needs were considered important. Services for the homeless may need to address self-esteem and motivation to change in order for them to consider basic needs as important.