Chapter 15: Problem 5

As a result of deinstitutionalization, some of today's homeless shelters use buildings that were once state hospitals, and, in fact, some of the homeless mentally ill now find themselves back in the same place where they were confined years earlier, only under totally different circumstances. How might individuals react when they return to their former hospital residences under such circumstances? pp. \(503-504\)

Short Answer

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Returning to their former hospital residencies under such circumstances might trigger a range of emotions from distress to relief, depending on the individuals' past experiences, current circumstances, and their psychological makeup. The familiarity with the surroundings might cause discomfort due to associated past experiences, or perhaps a sense of security in the familiar. The changed circumstances, from patient to homeless individual, could alter perspectives significantly, potentially exacerbating feelings of loss or displacement. However, these reactions will likely vary greatly among individuals due to their unique experiences and coping mechanisms.

Step by step solution

Understand Deinstitutionalization

Deinstitutionalization is the process of replacing long-stay psychiatric hospitals with less isolated community mental health services. Consequently, many former hospital buildings have been remodeled as homeless shelters.

Consider the Psychological Impact

While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, generally this situation could lead to an array of emotions and reactions from distress to relief, depending on the individual's past experiences at the institution, their current circumstances and psychology. They might feel a sense of despair or discomfort given the familiar surroundings reminding them of their past experiences. Alternatively, there could be a sense of security or nostalgia, as the place is familiar.

Contemplate the Effects of Changed Circumstances

The change in circumstances could lead to a shift in their reactions. Considering they are now in the shelter not as patients but as homeless individuals, this could alter their perspectives significantly. It might exacerbate feelings of loss or displacement as they remember being in the same location under different, potentially more secure, circumstances.

Acknowledge Individual Differences

Finally, it is crucial to acknowledge that these reactions will likely vary greatly among individuals, and this is not an exhaustive exploration. Different individuals will have unique experiences, reactions and coping mechanisms to this situation. This individual complexity can make the overall impact hard to generalize.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Deinstitutionalization

Consider the Psychological Impact

Contemplate the Effects of Changed Circumstances

Acknowledge Individual Differences

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