The Life Experiences of the Sheltered Homeless

Won, Jeong Sook

Abstract

PUPPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the psychological aspects of experiences of men living in a homeless shelter in Seoul. This study focused on understanding about the life of the homeless in the shelter by Phenomenological method. METHOD: The participants in this study were seven men who are living in a homeless shelter in Seoul. The following data were collected though the in-depth interviews and analyzed by the Phenomenological analytic method of Giorgi. RESULT: There are five focal significances about the life of the homeless. (1) Unplanned Life : Difficult life comes from outside situation, Freedom, The acceptance of unconsciousness life, Laziness, Unreliability, The dissolute life, No purpose to life, Relying on drinking, (2) Self-rationalization : Feeling of defeat, Give up, Desire for a support system, Lack of willingness, Anxiety, Chivalry, Falsehoods, (3) Superficial Interpersonal Relationships : Ignorance, Pressure, Discord, Hiding from one anther, avoidance. (4) A sense of devestation : Negative perspective, Mental weakness, Difficulties in employment, ambivalance with social structure, The place to escape, Complaining against the opposite sex, Sense of regret, Lack of relationship with family, The lack of self-confidence, Loss of volition (5) The Hope of new life : Realization, Desire for change, Dreaming of married life, Dependence in God
CONCLUSION
The conclusion of this study shows that the men in the shelter had various psychological reasons for being in the homeless shelter. Further studies need to be done to validate this information and formulate ways to assist these men with their psychological needs.