Circumstances, Religiosity/Spirituality, Resources, and Mental Health Outcomes Among Homeless Adults in Northwest Arkansas

A random, representative probability sample (N = 168) of homeless adults in northwest Arkansas was studied to assess the role of religious attendance, the perceived importance of religion, and spirituality in determining depressive and anxiety symptomatology. The independent effects of specific life experiences and other psychosocial resources on depression and anxiety were also examined. In contrast to previous research, we found that religiosity and spirituality were not significant factors in lowering mental health symptomatology, after controlling for other social and psychological resources. These findings are discussed in the context of what may or may not be important to homeless persons when considering their mental health outcomes and quality of life.