Digital Commons @ SPU

Denying human-like needs to individuals who are homeless

We explored the relationship between contact and the dehumanization of individuals who are homeless. Students (N= 370) took an online questionnaire and reported how important they believed low-, middle-, and high- level needs were for themselves and for individuals who are homeless. Contact questions probed the frequency and valence of students' previous interactions with individuals who are homeless. Results revealed that participants dehumanized individuals who are homeless by denying them middle- and high- level needs and that previous interpersonal interactions, above other forms of contact, significantly predicted the extent to which students saw needs such as love and belonging to be less important for individuals who are homeless than for themselves.