Homelessness: a Qualitative Genogram Analysis of Trauma and Addictions
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UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations 1-1-2003 Homelessness: A qualitative genogram analysis of trauma and addictions Lorraine K Moss University of Nevada, Las Vegas Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/rtds Repository Citation Moss, Lorraine K, "Homelessness: A qualitative genogram analysis of trauma and addictions" (2003). UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations. 1498. http://dx.doi.org/10.25669/tuvj-ejsv This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by Digital Scholarship@UNLV with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Thesis has been accepted for inclusion in UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Scholarship@UNLV. For more information, please contact [email protected]. HOMELESSNESS: A QUALITATIVE GENOGRAM ANALYSIS OF TRAUMA AND ADDICTIONS by Lorraine K. Moss Bachelor of Science, Psychology University of Central Florida 2001 A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Counseling Department of Counseling Greenspun College of Urban Affairs Graduate College University of Nevada, Las Vegas May 2003 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. UMI Number: 1414539 Copyright 2003 by Moss, Lorraine K. All rights reserved. UMI UMI Microform 1414539 Copyright 2003 by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest Information and Learning Company 300 North Zeeb Road P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 Reproduced witfi permission of tfie copyrigfit owner. Furtfier reproduction profiibited witfiout permission. Copyright by Lorraine K. Moss 2003 All Rights Reserved Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Thesis Approval The Graduate College University of Nevada, Las Vegas April 16, ■ 20 03 The Thesis prepared by Lorraine Moss Entitled Homelessness: A Qualitative Analysis of Trauma and Addictions is approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Counseling PqJùvÎCjüCl A ■ TMlWlC 5 Examination Committee Chair ïean of the Graduate College '■xaminahqn Committee Membe, Examination Committee Member «4^ Graduate Colleg{yaculty Repreagntative 11 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. ABSTRACT Homelessness: A Qualitative Genogram Analysis of Trauma and Addictions By Lorraine K. Moss, B.S. Dr. Patricia A. Markos, Examination Committee Chair Associate Professor of Counseling University of Nevada, Las Vegas This study conducts a qualitative analysis of genograms based from a homeless population sample. The purpose of the study is to illustrate a pattern within the homeless population of a generational history of the conditions of traumatic experiences and addictions during childhood and young adulthood, prior to becoming homeless. This study is not intended to show causal relationships between the two conditions of homelessness, rather, a prior pattern of the two conditions. The data was collected by graduate students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, during the student’s advanced practicum/internship classes occurring in the final year of the master program. The data reported show a consistent and extensive history of the two conditions of trauma and addictions prior to becoming homeless, which includes the client’s previous three generations. The significant condition is addictions, however, the condition of trauma is also extensive, particularly as reported by the female participants. Ill Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT..............................................................................................................................iii LIST OF TABLES.....................................................................................................................v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.....................................................................................................vi CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................... 1 Purpose of Study ................................................................................................................... 1 Study of Homelessness ........................................................................................................ 5 Genograms: Use and Methodology for this Study ...........................................................14 Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research ...............................................................................16 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW.............................................................................18 Homelessness and Trauma .................................................................................................18 Homelessness and Addictions ........................................................................................... 30 CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY AND DATA DESCRIPTION...................................43 Participants..........................................................................................................................43 Clinical Efficacy of Genograms ........................................................................................44 Ethnographic Constructs Included in Methodology ....................................................... 50 Collection of Data .............................................................................................................. 55 Qualitative Treatment of Data .......................................................................................... 56 CHAPTER 4 DATA ANALYSIS......................................................................................61 Analysis of Data................................................................................................................. 62 Case Studies ........................................................................................................................79 CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................... 98 Cultural Implications of Data Results .............................................................................. 98 Discussion of Overall Results and Case Studies ............................................................101 Conclusions and Recommendations for Further Study ...............................................106 EXHIBITS............................................................................................................................. 114 BIBLIOGRAPHY..................................................................................................................117 VITA...............,...................................................................................................................... 125 IV Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Demographic Data of Participants .......................................................................115 Table 2 Addiction Domain ................................................................................................... 65 Table 3 Domestic Violence Domain ................................................................................... 68 Table 4 Trauma Domain ...................................................................................................... 70 Table 5 Medical/Psychological Domain .............................................................................72 Table 6 Criminal History Domain ...................................................................................... 75 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my graduate advisor and Committee Chair, Dr. Patricia Markos, Ph.D., for all of her help and guidance during the process of writing this thesis. I am forever grateful. And also for all of her help throughout my academic career at UNLV. I sincerely appreciate everything that has been done for me. I would also like to thank all of my professors within the Department of Counseling, particularly those of you on my committee. Dr. Larry Ashley, Ed.S., and Dr. Jessie Brinson, Ed.D. I have thoroughly enjoyed my graduate experience at UNLV and you have all shared that experience with me and have made it memorable. And finally, thank you Dr. Le Ann Putney, Ph.D., my graduate committee member. Without your expertise I would not have been able to complete a qualitative study. Your knowledge and ease of explaining the process, concepts, and constructs certainly enhanced my ability to complete this thesis. I am indebted to my sister. Iris Moss. Without whom I could not have attended either undergraduate or graduate school. You can never fully realize the extent of your contribution to my success. You have