Unpacking Housing Stability: A Systematic Review Exploring the Definition of Housing Stability

Background and Purpose:

Housing stability is often a key outcome in research addressing housing instability and homelessness. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of empirical consensus regarding its definition and measurement. Existing studies have predominantly used objective indicators—length of housing retention or number of relocations—which, while useful, fall short in capturing the subjective dimensions of stability often emphasized by individuals with lived experience and service providers.

This study aims to synthesize existing literature on how housing stability and the broader notion of home are conceptualized by those directly impacted inform a more comprehensive and person-centered approach, aligning social work research with policy and practices to address poverty and inequality.

Methods:

The systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic searches of empirical studies published in English since 2016 were conducted across PsycINFO, SocINDEX, Cochrane Library, and the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Eligible studies examined definitions or conceptualizations of housing stability or home from two participant groups: (1) individuals experiencing homelessness or with lived experience of homelessness, and (2) service providers working in homelessness services. Studies involving participants under age 18 were excluded; no other methodological restrictions were applied. Four reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts using Covidence software. A thematic synthesis approach was employed to identify key themes.

Results:

A synthesis of 13 studies revealed that participants conceptualize housing stability as a multidimensional construct that extends beyond the mere presence or absence of shelter.

Participants defined housing stability through the lens of economic sustainability, residential continuity, physical safety, personal autonomy, and social connectedness. For these individuals, stable housing was a space that was financially manageable, secure from the threat of eviction, and both physically and psychologically safe. Housing stability was closely tied to the ability to maintain privacy, exercise control over daily routines, and sustain relationships with family and community. Participants frequently emphasized the emotional security and a sense of predictability, highlighting the subjective and experiential dimensions of stability.

A slight distinction emerged between individuals with lived experience of homelessness and service providers. Service providers tended to adopt a more objective and institutional perspective, framing housing stability around the sustained duration of housing retention, economic self-sufficiency, and consistent engagement with supportive services. Housing stability was understood as state in which clients remained housed over time without returning to homelessness, while actively managing risk factors.

Conclusions and Implications:

Findings suggest that housing stability can be conceptualized as a multidimensional construct that encompasses both structural conditions and subjective experiences. By synthesizing the contrast between institutionally driven definitions— like those based on housing tenure or service utilization—and experiential understandings grounded in lived experience, this review contributes to establishing a theoretical foundation for more precise and effective housing interventions and policy development. Future research should aim to further refine these conceptual frameworks across diverse cultural contexts and actively incorporate stakeholder perspectives to help bridge the gap between theory and practice.