Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as a Predictor of Homelessness in Mothers: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Increasingly, research is conducted focusing on mothers and families experiencing homelessness. Mothers experiencing homelessness present as a uniquely vulnerable population. Current research tends to focus on the immediate factors causing homelessness like loss of employment, intimate partner violence, and other economic pressures. The aim of this integrative review was to analyze what research is currently available regarding the lifelong experiences that lead mothers into homelessness. The focus is on the predictability of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as a contributing factor of homelessness during adulthood. After the initial search on CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX databases, 303 studies were retrieved, and 9 of those studies were included in this project after further screening. These studies were analyzed for repeating patterns, similarities, and differences. The findings lay groundwork for future research in nursing and interdisciplinary health professions. Future directions should consider early nursing intervention in childhood as a preventative measure of family homelessness. Additionally, knowing that ACEs are a predictor of homelessness could assist nurses in tailoring trauma informed treatment when working with homeless families.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Emilene Reisdorfer