Understanding dignity in the lives of homeless persons

The current investigation is a planned systematic study of dignity as criti cal to understanding the experience of homelessness and improving services and programs for the homeless. Specifically, we conducted a thematic conten t analysis of interviews with 24 homeless men and women to identify their p erception of specific environmental events that validate and invalidate dig nity. In addition, we explored the impact that these events have on homeles s persons. Eight types of events were identified that sustain dignity, such as bring cared for by staff and having resources available to meet basic n eeds. Eight types of events were found that undermine dignity, such as bein g yelled at or insulted by staff persons and having staff use rules in an e xcessive and arbitrary way. Two out-comes followed the sustenance of dignit y including increased self-worth and motivation to exit homelessness. Three outcomes followed the undermining of dignity including anger, depression, and feelings of worthlessness. The results suggest that dignity is an impor tant variable to consider in understanding the experience of homelessness. Policies and programs that support validating the dignity of homeless perso ns are encouraged.