THE HEALTH PRACTICES OF HOMELESS WOMEN - A CAUSAL MODEL

A theoretical model was developed and tested to explain the effects of learned helplessness, self-esteem, and depression on the health pract ices of homeless women. Data were collected from a sample of 122 homel ess women recruited from six shelters. Structural equation analysis wa s used to evaluate the model. Analysis revealed a goodness-of-fit inde x of .98, indicating a good fit of the model with the data. Overall, t he variables in the model accounted for 14% to 21% of the variance in the health practices of homeless women.