“The group gives me strength”: A group-based intervention to promote trust and social connectedness among women experiencing homelessness

Abstract

People experiencing homelessness usually face social isolation because of relationship breakdown and social stigma. Women represent a minority and experience more psychological distress compared to men. Only a few homelessness services implement group-based interventions that aim at the social re-integration of people experiencing homelessness. The present research aims to provide empirical evidence supporting the use of group-based intervention to promote trust and social connectedness among women experiencing homelessness. The intervention consisted of 10 open-ended group meetings conducted by a female psychologist-facilitator who stimulated the expression and sharing of feelings within the group. A total of 13 women living in a shelter in Italy participated in the intervention. The evaluation procedure consisted of two methodologies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the beginning and the end of the intervention and structured observations were implemented during group meetings. The observation of group dynamics confirmed the benefits of the intervention documenting a transition from isolation and self-reference to trust and social connectedness. The results of the interviews showed that women moved from (T1) loneliness, scepticism and passive desire to (T2) connection with others, care, and confident objective. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of lines of action for services for homeless women.