The Role of Psychological and Social Security in Predicting Depression among Women Living in Homeless Shelters of Tehran

Background: Homelessness, as a common phenomenon in all human societies, has many social, psychological, and physical consequences for the homeless and society as a whole. This study aimed to determine the role of psychological and social security in predicting depression among women living in homeless shelters of Tehran. Methods: It was a descriptive correlational study. The research population included all women living in the homeless shelters of Tehran in 2020. The subjects were selected using random, multi-stage cluster sampling. Two homeless shelters were selected. The final sample included 150 women. The data were collected using the Security-Insecurity Inventory (Maslow et al., 1953) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; Beck et al., 1961). The collected data were analyzed using the multiple regression analysis with SPSS software (version 22). Results: The results showed that the feeling of psychological security can predict depression in women (R = 0.48). It was also shown that approximately 23% of the variances in depression can be explained by psychological security. Therefore, it can be claimed with 99% confidence that psychological security can predict depression in these women. Moreover, the feeling of social security can predict the rate of depression in women (MR = - 0.55). This implies that approximately 30% of the variances of depression can be explained by social security. The beta coefficient for social security was -0.55. Accordingly, it can be claimed with 99% confidence that social security can predict depression in womenliving in homeless shelters. The negative signs of the beta coefficients indicated a negative relationship between the predictor and criterion variables. In other words, the higher the psychological and social security, the lower the rate of depression in women. Conclusion:This study showed that these womenchr('39')s psychological and social security levels are correlated with the degree of depression experienced by them. Using the insights from this study, counselors, psychiatric nurses and other mental health professionals are suggested tocreate a friendly and safe environment for clients to express their feelings and lessen their depression.