The Severely and Persistently Mentally Ill Adult Living in the Community: The Experience of Loneliness

Author

Lisa Smith-Kautzman, South Dakota State University

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1997

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Kay Foland

Abstract

It is estimated that there are approximately forty million people in the United State with a mental disorder. In 1955 the population in the state and county hospitals was 558, 992 individuals. Deinstitutionalization has allowed many people with severe and persistent mental disorders too live in community settings instead of locked in wards. This has had a both positive and negative outcome. One of the possible problems associated with community living is loneliness. No one is exempt from experiencing temporary loneliness but positive mental health is at risk of those persons incurring ongoing, persistent loneliness.

It is estimated that there are approximately forty million people in the United State with a mental disorder. In 1955 the population in the state and county hospitals was 558, 992 individuals. Deinstitutionalization has allowed many people with severe and persistent mental disorders too live in community settings instead of locked in wards. This has had a both positive and negative outcome. One of the possible problems associated with community living is loneliness. No one is exempt from experiencing temporary loneliness but positive mental health is at risk of those persons incurring ongoing, persistent loneliness.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Mentally ill -- Psychology
Loneliness
Solitude

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

80

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Recommended Citation

Smith-Kautzman, Lisa, "The Severely and Persistently Mentally Ill Adult Living in the Community: The Experience of Loneliness" (1997). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 897.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/897