Authors

Presenter(s)

Britta Hammitt

Comments

Presentation: 3:00 p.m.-4:15 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom

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Description

Problem: The purpose of the study is to understand possible reasons for the disproportionate number of veterans represented within the homeless population. Current Study: The current study aimed to understand a possible relationship between physical and mental illness and its effects on criminal-justice-involved veterans who have experienced homelessness. This study adds to the current literature by combining analysis of mental illness and physical illness, whereas previous studies mainly focus on one or the other. Sample: The study utilized the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics and includes a population of 1,602 veterans. Within the population of 1,602 veterans, only 128 responded saying that they were homeless. Of the 128 veterans who said that they were homeless, 92 were hospitalized due to mental illness in the 12 months before their arrest, and 126 reported hospitalization due to a physical illness diagnosis. Analysis: The study utilized a Chi-Square Test and a T-Test for Independent Samples in order to compare the variables of physical and mental illness and homelessness. The Chi-Square test compared the relationship between hospitalization for mental illness and homelessness. The T-Test for Independent Samples compared the relationship between physical illness and homelessness. Results: The findings show that there is no significant relationship between mental illness or physical illness and homelessness among these criminally-involved veterans. Discussion: The null findings could be due to the small sample of veterans who experienced homelessness. Future research should continue to examine the link between physical and mental illness and homelessness.

Publication Date

4-20-2022

Project Designation

Capstone Project

Primary Advisor

Susybel R. Kallsen

Primary Advisor's Department

Criminal Justice and Security Studies

Keywords

Stander Symposium project, College of Arts and Sciences

Exploring Mental and Physical Illness and Homelessness Among Veterans

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