The Relationship between Mental Health and Career Interest among Homeless People in Kem Desa Bina Diri, Malaysia

Homelessness and mental health issues only became widely known after social media popularised and sensationalised the issue, despite a long precedent of these problems in urban areas. However, a lack of local studies on the subject has caused much confusion, especially in regard to the role and effectiveness of existing care services. This study has undertaken one aspect of this problem, namely how health issues amongst homeless people affects their interest in a career. The study was conducted by questionnaire, which consisted of two analytical measurements: the Mental Health Inventory and the Holland Occupational Types. These were developed specifically for the homeless. One hundred and eleven respondents were recruited. The study found that a majority of homeless people in rehabilation centres exhibited high levels of anxiety and depression. There were significant relationships between the level of anxiety and the level of depression with career interest. In addition, there was a significant relationship between behaviour control and career interest. The study hopes to produce a design appropriate for an intervention programme for homeless people at rehabilitation centres. Nevertheless, it recognises that more clinical studies also need to be done to examine mental health issues among homeless people so that mental health services can be improved.