Homelessness and housing insecurity in young people engaged in tertiary education in Australia

What is the purpose of this research?

This research project is being undertaken as part of an honours study for student Taylor Purcell.

The purpose of this research project is to examine homelessness and housing insecurity in young people engaged in tertiary education in Australia. The study will also examine the impact of this experience on student’s education engagement and subjective wellbeing.

Are you looking for people like me?

You are invited to participate in this research project because you are a current university student at an Australian tertiary institution and you are aged 18-24.

What will you ask me to do?

Participation will involve completing an anonymous 31 item questionnaire with a mix of open-response, closed multiple choice and Likert scale responses. The survey will ask a variety of questions related to participants demographics, financial security, housing security, housing situation, engagement with university, and wellbeing. It is expected the survey will take about 30 minutes.

You will be asked to respond to a series of questions on the following topics:

• income and employment status
• types of housing/living situations you have experienced
• number of people living in your household
• impact of housing and finances on your engagement at university
• overall subjective wellbeing
• beliefs and assumptions of common university experiences.

Your participation in this research project is entirely voluntary. If you agree to participate you do not have to complete any question(s) you are uncomfortable answering. Your decision to participate or not participate will in no way impact upon your current or future relationship with QUT (for example your grades, or access to university resources). If you do agree to participate you can withdraw from the research project during your participation without comment or penalty. However,as the survey does not request any personal identifying information, once it has been submitted it will not be possible to withdraw.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are some risks associated with your participation in this research project. These include discomfort when responding to questions regarding your housing situation, financial security, university engagement, and wellbeing.

QUT provides for limited free psychology, family therapy or counselling services for research participants of QUT research projects who may experience discomfort or distress as a result of their participation in the research. Should you wish to access this service call the clinic receptionist on 07 3138 0999 (Monday–Friday only, 9am–5pm), QUT Psychology and Counselling Clinic, 44 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, and indicate that you are a research participant.

Alternatively, Lifeline provides access to online, phone or face-to-face support, call 13 11 14 for 24 hour telephone crisis support.

If you are aged up to 25, you can also call the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Specialist housing support is available by the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will not directly benefit you. The outcomes of the research however may be used to inform future research, policies, and university and housing services to support young tertiary students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. You can request a brief summary of the outcomes of the study by contacting the project researchers, Taylor Purcell via email taylor.purcell@connect.qut.edu.au) or Danielle Davidson via email danielle.davidson@qut.edu.au.

Will I be compensated for my time?

No.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Take the survey

For details of the next steps, contact Taylor Purcell via email taylor.purcell@connect.qut.edu.au) or Danielle Davidson via email danielle.davidson@qut.edu.au. You will be provided with further information to ensure that your decision and consent to participate is fully informed.