PSY-2 Perceptions of Homeless Individuals
Abstract
In 2023, the number of people reporting experiencing homelessness increased by 12%, and yet federal spending on safety net programs decreased (Kamp & Najmabadi, 2023). The rising rate of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and our reticence to fund programs to support them may be related to biases about PEH (Torino & Sisselman-Borgia; 2020). PEH is stigmatized by society. Previous research has found that PEH are more likely to be avoided, more likely to be perceived as dangerous, more likely to be pitied, and less likely to be helped than individuals who are not experiencing homelessness (Link et al., 1995; Snow-Hill, 2019). Limited research has examined the extent race and gender of homeless individuals affect stigmatization (Markowitz & Syverson, 2021). The current study examines stigmatization and perceptions of PEH using a 2 (Race: White/Black) x 2 (Gender: Male/Female) between-subjects design. The measures of bias center around four constructs: avoidance, dangerousness, pity, and help (Snow-Hill, 2019). We hypothesize that men will be perceived as being more dangerous than women (Syverson, 2017). We expect participants to endorse more avoidance for men experiencing homelessness. Conversely, we expect more helping behavior and more pity for women who experience homelessness. Additionally, we expect that black PEH will be perceived as more dangerous and more likely to be avoided and thus less likely to be pitied and helped (Markowitz & Syverson, 2021). Finally, we expect an interaction between race and gender. Data collection is ongoing. The long-term objective is to better understand how these perceptions influence responses to homeless individuals.
Keywords
People experiencing homelessness (PEH), avoidence, dangerous, pity, help, race, gender, stigmatization, perception
PSY-2 Perceptions of Homeless Individuals
University Readiness Center Greatroom
In 2023, the number of people reporting experiencing homelessness increased by 12%, and yet federal spending on safety net programs decreased (Kamp & Najmabadi, 2023). The rising rate of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and our reticence to fund programs to support them may be related to biases about PEH (Torino & Sisselman-Borgia; 2020). PEH is stigmatized by society. Previous research has found that PEH are more likely to be avoided, more likely to be perceived as dangerous, more likely to be pitied, and less likely to be helped than individuals who are not experiencing homelessness (Link et al., 1995; Snow-Hill, 2019). Limited research has examined the extent race and gender of homeless individuals affect stigmatization (Markowitz & Syverson, 2021). The current study examines stigmatization and perceptions of PEH using a 2 (Race: White/Black) x 2 (Gender: Male/Female) between-subjects design. The measures of bias center around four constructs: avoidance, dangerousness, pity, and help (Snow-Hill, 2019). We hypothesize that men will be perceived as being more dangerous than women (Syverson, 2017). We expect participants to endorse more avoidance for men experiencing homelessness. Conversely, we expect more helping behavior and more pity for women who experience homelessness. Additionally, we expect that black PEH will be perceived as more dangerous and more likely to be avoided and thus less likely to be pitied and helped (Markowitz & Syverson, 2021). Finally, we expect an interaction between race and gender. Data collection is ongoing. The long-term objective is to better understand how these perceptions influence responses to homeless individuals.