Momentary feelings of hunger lead to significant stress in individuals who have been previously homeless and food insecure, even after being housed. As self-reported hunger increases, the association between prior hunger and subsequent perceived stress increases, indicating a potentially curvilinear relationship.

Cleveland State University

Young adults experiencing homelessness that have higher-than-average levels of stress, regardless of hunger, become substantially more stressed when hunger arises compared to those with less stress.  High mean levels of stress with no variability, often referred to as allostatic load, has been proven highly problematic as it is linked to increased disease over time. More stressed individuals are also less likely to become housed.

Long-Term Stress Effects from Food Insecurity in Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness

Dzubur, E., Semborski, S., Redline, B., Hedeker, D., Dunton, G. F., &amp; Henwood, B. F. (2022). Food insecurity, hunger, stress, and homelessness among young adults. Health Psychology, 41(8), 559–565. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001214 

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