Homelessness and mental health in Ghana everyday experiences of Accra's migrant squatters

Type Journal Article - Journal of health psychology
Title Homelessness and mental health in Ghana everyday experiences of Accra's migrant squatters
Author(s)
Volume 12
Issue 5
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2007
Page numbers 761-778
URL http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ama_Aikins2/publication/5986075_Homelessness_and_mental_health_i​n_Ghana_everyday_experiences_of_Accra's_migrant_squatters/links/54ced3a20cf24601c09241b2.pdf
Abstract
This article discusses everyday experiences of transient homelessness in Ghana's capital, Accra. Episodic interviews with individuals living in squatter settlements in the wealthy East Legon suburb explored: (1) roots of homelessness; (2) everyday experiences and coping strategies; (3) relationship between experiences and (mental) health; (4) needs and interventions. Three intersecting forms of insecurity framed participants' everyday experience: financial, legal and psychosocial. Physical and psychological stresses were common; physical illnesses rare. Coping strategies facilitated adaptation but not transformation of everyday circumstances. We explore possibilities for intervention and discuss relevance of this study to the health psychology and African literatures on homelessness.

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