[A survey of the psychosocial situation of homeless men in Frankfurt am Main].

In a current field-study a sample of 71 homeless men (mean age 35.4 years) was investigated with a semi-standardized interview. Sociodemographically, a low education level, a high unemployment rate and low income were noted. The income was gained mainly through regular social welfare support. Mostly unmarried and without children, the participants seldom lived in a stable partnership during their life. Psychosocial conflicts (59.2%) were one of the most important causes for homelessness at an average age of 28.1 years. Interpersonal conflicts, release from jail and loss of job were the most frequently reported causes of current homelessness. 42.3% had been treated in psychiatric hospitals in the past, the majority because of alcoholism. In summary the current findings indicate that homeless men experience social isolation early during their maturation and that the frequency of psychiatric disorders is high.