Abstract
Homelessness is a growing concern in Nigeria, a country with vast cultural diversity and socioeconomic challenges. This article explores the cognitive psychological dimensions of anxiety, depression, and mental health in contributing to homelessness within this multicultural context.
Drawing on cognitive theories, empirical research, and culturally relevant examples, this article aims to highlight how mental health disorders affect cognitive functioning, decision-making, and social integration, which may lead to or exacerbate homelessness. The paper calls for integrative policy and mental health interventions sensitive to Nigeria’s cultural plurality.
1. Introduction
Homelessness, once considered a problem of high-income nations, has become increasingly prevalent in low and middle income countries such as Nigeria. Amid economic hardship, rapid urbanisation, and displacement due to conflict, many Nigerians experience homelessness.
While structural factors like poverty and unemployment are recognised causes, the role of mental health, especially anxiety and depression, is often underexplored. In multicultural societies like Nigeria, where ethnic and religious diversity shapes lived experiences, understanding the cognitive underpinnings of homelessness through the lens of mental health offers critical insights [1][2]
2. The Nigerian Context: Homelessness in a Multicultural Landscape
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is a mosaic of over 250 ethnic groups. Urban centers such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt have seen rising homelessness due to internal migration, poverty, and conflict. Street children, internally displaced persons (IDPS), and unemployed youth constitute major segments of Nigeria’s homeless population [3].
Cultural beliefs about mental health further complicate the situation. In some communities, mental illness is seen as spiritual or moral failure, deterring individuals from seeking professional help. Such stigmatisation can leave people with untreated mental health conditions vulnerable to homelessness [4].
3. Cognitive Psychology: Theoretical Foundations
Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes such as perception, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. When applied to mental health, it provides a framework to understand how disorders like anxiety and depression impair cognitive functions, influencing behaviour and social outcomes.
Cognitive distortions, e.g., catastrophizing, overgeneralization are common in depression and anxiety, leading individuals to perceive their circumstances as hopeless [5].
Executive dysfunction, such as poor planning and impulse control, may hinder job retention or housing stability.
Social cognition deficits, including impaired theory of mind and empathy, may reduce interpersonal effectiveness, leading to isolation.
These cognitive impairments can interact with environmental stressors in Nigeria, increasing susceptibility to homelessness [6].
4. Anxiety and Homelessness
Anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are prevalent among vulnerable Nigerian populations, especially IDPS and victims of violence [3].
Cognitive Symptoms of Anxiety: Hypervigilance, negative anticipation, and attentional bias toward threats.
Functional Consequences: Avoidance of social settings, inability to engage in structured activities, difficulty maintaining employment.
In Nigeria, anxiety is often exacerbated by insecurity (e.g., Boko Haram insurgency) and economic instability. Those with chronic anxiety may find it difficult to secure or maintain housing, particularly when social support is absent [3][7].
5. Depression and Homelessness
Depression is both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. Cognitive models of depression emphasise:
Negative cognitive triad: Persistent negative views about the self, world, and future [5].
Learned helplessness: Perception of powerlessness, which reduces motivation to seek help.
In Nigeria, where access to mental health services is limited, depressed individuals are often untreated. They may disengage from familial or communal networks, eventually becoming homeless [1][8]. Depression is also common among homeless youth, who face chronic rejection and trauma [6]
6. Interaction Between Mental Health and Multicultural Identities
In a multicultural society like Nigeria, identity-based discrimination can compound the psychological burden. Ethnic and religious minorities may experience systemic exclusion, which contributes to stress and anxiety.
For instance, Fulani herders displaced by communal conflict may face stigma in urban areas, affecting their ability to secure housing and employment [3][4].
Cultural expressions of mental distress also vary. For example, somatisation is common among Yoruba populations, where emotional problems are expressed as physical complaints. This can lead to misdiagnosis or neglect of psychological needs [9].
7. Cognitive Impairments and Life Functioning
Cognitive deficits associated with mental illness can impair everyday functioning:
Memory and attention problems: Difficulty adhering to treatment or employment schedules
Executive function deficits: Inability to plan or execute actions needed for housing stability.
Judgment impairments: Risky decision-making, substance use, and conflicts with authorities [5][6].
These impairments can create a cycle where poor mental health leads to homelessness, which in turn exacerbates mental illness due to stress, trauma, and exposure to violence [1][7].
8. Examples of Cases in Nigeria
Mary, a 17-year-old from Borno State, developed PTSD after fleeing Boko Haram. She now lives in a camp for IDPS in Abuja, exhibiting signs of depression and social withdrawal [3].
Tunde, a middle-aged man from Lagos, became homeless after job loss and a subsequent depressive episode. Without family support, his condition deteriorated, making reintegration difficult [8].
These examples illustrate how cognitive impairments and a lack of culturally appropriate mental health services contribute to chronic homelessness [1][4]
9. Policy and Intervention Implications
To address homelessness from a cognitive psychological standpoint, Nigeria must adopt a multi-level approach:
Mental Health Services: Increase access, especially in underserved regions. Use culturally adapted cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) [10].
Public Awareness: Combat stigma through community education.
Supportive Housing: Integrate mental health care into housing programs.
Cultural Sensitivity: Tailor interventions to respect ethnic and religious differences.
Community-based interventions such as peer support groups and mobile mental health clinics have shown promise in pilot programs [1][10]
10. Conclusion
Understanding homelessness in Nigeria through the lens of cognitive psychology reveals the intricate role of mental health, especially anxiety and depression. Cognitive impairments not only affect individual functioning but also mediate the impact of societal and cultural stressors. Addressing these issues requires a culturally grounded, interdisciplinary approach that bridges mental health care, social policy, and community engagement [1][5][6].
Footnotes
[1] Adebayo, A. M., & Ogunsemi, O. O. (2016). Mental health services in Nigeria: A review of the current situation and way forward. Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry, 14(2), 58–62.
[2] World Health Organisation. (2021). Mental health in Nigeria: A situation analysis. WHO Nigeria Country Office.
[3] Eze, G. O., & Ibekwe, R. U. (2020). Internally displaced persons and mental health challenges in Nigeria. Journal of Social Work in Developing Societies, 2(2), 120–135.
[4] Uwakwe, R., & Okonkwo, J. E. (2018). Cultural perspectives on mental illness and its management in Nigeria. African Journal of Psychiatry, 21(1), 44–50
[5] Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. New York: International Universities Press.
[6] Ibrahim, A., & Zakari, M. (2014). Mental health and homelessness: Challenges and solutions in Nigeria. African Journal of Psychiatry, 17(3), 110–117.
[7] National Population Commission. (2020). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey.
[8] Ola, B. A., & Morakinyo, O. (2011). The role of cognitive therapy in treating depression in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 9(1), 35–42.
[9] Uwakwe, R., & Okonkwo, J. E. (2018). Cultural perspectives on mental illness and its management in Nigeria. African Journal of Psychiatry, 21(1), 44–50.
[10] World Health Organisation. (2021). Mental health in Nigeria: A situation analysis. WHO Nigeria Country Office.