Howe, Lara and Easterbrook, Matthew J (2018) The perceived costs and benefits of pet ownership for homeless people in the UK: practical costs, psychological benefits and vulnerability. Journal of Poverty, 22 (6). pp. 486-499. ISSN 1087-5549
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Abstract
We sought to understand why many homeless people own pets despite the associated costs. Thematic analyses of interviews with seven homeless pet-owners indicated that interviewees perceived—not always accurately—that their pets limited their mobility and access to services. However, this was seen as a worthwhile cost for the companionship and sense of responsibility their pets provided, which increased resilience and enabled a reduction in substance abuse. Pet ownership also rendered interviewees psychologically vulnerable as the loss of a pet was highly traumatic and ignited coping mechanisms. We discuss the implications for homeless support services in the UK.
Item Type: | Article |
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Keywords: | Homelessness; Pets; Rough Sleepers; Psychological support, Vulnerability |
Schools and Departments: | School of Psychology > Psychology |
Depositing User: | Ellena Adams |
Date Deposited: | 21 Mar 2018 11:14 |
Last Modified: | 20 Oct 2019 01:00 |
URI: | http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/74580 |
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