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Crime, Drug Abuse, Mental Illness, and Homelessness

NCJ Number
109669
Journal
Deviant Behavior Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (1987) Pages: 361-375
Author(s)
B B Benda
Date Published
1987
Length
15 pages
Annotation
In this project, 345 homeless persons were interviewed during the period from May 1985 to May 1986 in Richmond, Va.
Abstract
Data revealed that current afflictions (e.g., hallucinations) are related to major life events in the past (i.e., psychiatric hospitalizations). Further, certain experiences prior to adulthood (e.g. drug use) predict these major life events (e.g. crime). Thus, the data support a general 'drift down' hypothesis as a useful explanation of homelessness for future theory and development. Some policy implications are given. (Author abstract)