Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Psychology
First Advisor
Greg Townley
Term of Graduation
Spring 2026
Date of Publication
6-4-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Applied Psychology
Department
Psychology
Language
English
Subjects
Homelessness, Lived experience, Lived experience committee, Pathways, Social support
Physical Description
1 online resource (vi, 169 pages)
Abstract
Houselessness has long been an issue of pressing concern in the United States; and in Multnomah County, Oregon, approximately 10,526 people are experiencing houselessness. Social support has been identified as a critical factor in helping people navigate houselessness and will be explored in the current study. Specifically, the current study examines social support among populations with lived experience of houselessness as they navigate pathways through houselessness. The current study is situated within a broader study examining journeys through houselessness called the Pathways study, and it utilizes a subsample of individuals involved in the Pathways study. The Pathways study and the current dissertation involve a Lived Experience Committee that provided in-depth guidance and feedback on all study procedures. Semi -structured qualitative interviews lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes were conducted with 29 participants. Questions examined who individuals with experience of houselessness identified as providing social support, the type of social support provided, and the role of social support in helping individuals navigate pathways through houselessness. Findings revealed twelve major themes regarding social support and its role in navigating pathways through houselessness. Themes include aspects such as disconnection in social support systems leading into initial houselessness, reciprocity, loneliness and social isolation, and the role of social support after becoming housed. The current study adds to the limited body of research on social support among populations with lived experience of houselessness and has important implications for research and practice aimed at addressing houselessness locally and nationally, the role of social support while navigating houselessness, and the utilization of a lived experience committee to inform study processes.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44982
Recommended Citation
DuBoise, Desiree' Jane, "Pieces of the Pathway: A Qualitative Exploration of Social Support for Individuals Navigating Houselessness" (2026). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 7156.