Brain Inj. 2026 Feb 8:1-16. doi: 10.1080/02699052.2026.2621162. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The prevalence of acquired brain injury (ABI) is disproportionately high among people experiencing homelessness. Most people in this situation experienced their first ABI before their first experience of homelessness. However, little is known about their trajectories. This study aimed to identify key moments and turning points into homelessness among people with a history of both ABI and homelessness.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted, involving 26 semi-structured interviews using the life history mapping method with individuals who had experienced both homelessness and ABI. Data were analyzed using Paillé and Mucchielli’s thematic analysis method.
RESULTS: Participants reported an average of 4.7 ABIs, with the majority (77%) having sustained a first ABI before the age of 18. Five themes emerged from the analysis: 1) homelessness as a series of losses 2) the cross-cutting effects of violence; 3) foregrounding ABI as a turning point; 4) foregrounding substance use as a turning point; and 5) relations and occupations as counterweights to losses.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the turning points on the path to homelessness for people with ABI. It provides insight into their life trajectories and supports the development of homelessness prevention interventions specific to the needs of this population.
PMID:41655085 | DOI:10.1080/02699052.2026.2621162
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