The Relationship Between Boredom and Substance Use Among Persons Experiencing Homelessness

Background: The relationship between boredom and substance use remains unexplored among persons experiencing homelessness. Purpose: To generate an understanding of the relationship between boredom and substance use among unhoused individuals in high-income countries. Methodology: This thesis consists of two phases: 1) a scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework; and 2) a secondary analysis. Findings: In Phase I, I identified eight studies highlighting the dearth of literature on the topic of substance use and boredom among persons who experience homelessness. In Phase II, participants identified that boredom drives substance use during homelessness, and that supports are needed to mitigate this experience. Both studies emphasize the connection between boredom and substance use within this population. Implications: This research reveals that boredom contributes to substance use through numerous mechanisms and emphasizes the importance of addressing boredom as a means of reducing substance use and improving wellbeing among persons experiencing homelessness.