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oai:figshare.com:article/32805902 2026-10-01T16:12:00Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Exploring the prevalence and interplay of adverse childhood experiences, chronic homelessness and factors of multiple exclusion, within a single adult homeless population living in hostel accommodation in Northern Ireland Karen McAlister (24293006) PUREID: 690139592 This study examines the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Multiple Exclusion Homelessness (MEH), and chronic homelessness among single adults living in hostel accommodation in Northern Ireland. Drawing on social exclusion theory, it explores how childhood adversity, institutional contact, and structural inequalities interact across the life course to shape homelessness experiences. The study was informed by a Critical Realist methodological framework and incorporated participatory approaches. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with 175 adults residing in Northern Ireland Housing Executive funded hostels operated by ten voluntary sector providers. Data were collected using validated measures of childhood adversity (ACE-IQ), alcohol use (AUDIT-C), drug use (DUDIT-C), and indicators of exclusion including institutional contact, street activity, violence, mental health, and homelessness experiences. Analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, non-parametric testing, and Two-Step Cluster Analysis. Findings identified high levels of adversity and exclusion within the sample. Overall, 66.3% of participants reported four or more ACEs, while 88.6% met the threshold for MEH. Higher ACE exposure was significantly associated with institutional contact, violence, mental health difficulties, and experiences of homelessness. Cluster analysis identified four distinct profiles of exclusion, demonstrating substantial variation within the hostel population and highlighting differing levels of need and vulnerability. The study contributes new evidence on the relationship between childhood adversity and multiple exclusion among adults experiencing homelessness in Northern Ireland. It advances understanding of homelessness as a cumulative process shaped by interconnected social and structural disadvantages. The findings support the development of trauma informed, preventative, and cross sector responses that address the broader causes of homelessness across the life course. 2026-10-01T16:12:00Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32805902.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Exploring_the_prevalence_and_interplay_of_adverse_childhood_experiences_chronic_homelessness_and_factors_of_multiple_exclusion_within_a_single_adult_homeless_population_living_in_hostel_accommodation_in_Northern_Ireland/32805902 All Rights Reserved