While it is believed that exposure to childhood abuse, violence in adulthood, or other traumatic events can have negative consequences on adult functioning, little is known about the impact of these experiences for homeless, substance abusing men.  This study examined the prevalence and nature of trauma and the factors that impact trauma severity among homeless men from five substance abuse treatment centers in a southeastern state.

Data for this study were collected from three substance abuse treatment providers at five locations in a southeastern state.

Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the impact of the independent variables on trauma symptom severity. SPSS 11.0 was used to analyze the relationship between the overall TSC-40 score and the three independent variables: the total number of stressful life events reported on the SLESQ; the total number of lifetime homeless episodes experienced; and whether the subject had ever been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

Results from the multiple regression analysis indicated that the overall model that included the three independent variables was significant (F=10.07, SS=21.46, df= 3, p =.001). Two of the independent variables, the number of stressful life events reported (t=3.40, ß=.19, SE=.06, p=.001) and the presence of a mental health disorder (t=2.17, ß=.54, SE=.25, p=.03), significantly contributed to the prediction of trauma symptom severity.  The number of episodes of homelessness (t=1.94, ß= .12, SE= .06, p= .06) did not contribute significantly to the model.  Altogether, the independent variables predicted 32.7% of the variability in trauma symptom severity.

The findings from this research support the notion that the needs of homeless men who abuse substances are complex and require intensive and comprehensive methods of intervention. Results indicate that the majority of subjects in this study had experienced multiple traumatic events during their lifetime – particularly exposure to violence or threats of violence.