Describing the homeless mentally ill: Cluster analysis results

Abstract

Presented descriptive data on a group of homeless, mentally ill individuals (N = 108) served by a two-site demonstration project, funded by NIMH. Comparing results with those from other studies of this population produced some differences and some similarities. Cluster analysis techniques were applied to the data, producing a 4-group solution. Data validating the cluster solution are presented. It is suggested that the cluster results provide a more meaningful and useful method of understanding the descriptive data. Results suggest that while the population of individuals served as homeless and mentally ill is quite heterogeneous, many have well-developed functioning skills--only one cluster, making up 35.2% of the sample, fits the stereotype of the aggressive, psychotic individual with skill deficits in many areas. Further discussion is presented concerning the implications of the cluster analysis results for demonstrating contextual effects and thus better interpreting research results from other studies and assisting in future services planning.

Sequential validation of cluster analytic subtypes of homeless veterans

“…Unlike procedures such as multiple regression and ANOVA, cluster analysis "keeps people in one piece" by grouping them with other persons who have similar profiles across a range of variables. Mowbray et al (1993) argued persuasively that the ability of cluster analytic procedures to summarize data on multiple variables makes them very useful for expanding our current knowledge base on homelessness: "the field will not advance much.., if we continue to generate research data that merely describe this population on a variety of measures, then compare the plethora of output to previous reports in the literature, then attempt to generate post-hoe explanations" (p. 69).…”

Perfiles de personalidad y síndromes clínicos en personas sin hogar

“…Al comparar nuestros resultados y los de investigaciones similares, en cuanto a población e instrumentos de evaluación, encontramos similitudes en la alta prevalencia de drogodependencia, trastorno delirante y trastorno del pensamiento (Salave-que denominó «Negadores» (Stewart, 1998), advirtiendo que puede parecer que tienen sólo problemas econó-micos y sociales, pero que en realidad se trata de individuos problemáticos en los albergues para PsH. Así, más que un grupo con «buen funcionamiento», como lo han llamado en investigaciones similares (Humphreys, 1995;Kahn, Hannah, Hinkin, Montgomery, y Pitz, 1987;Mavis et al, 1993;Morse et al, 1992;Mowbray et al, 1993;Solarz y Bogat, 1990), es un grupo negador de sus problemas de salud mental o drogodependencia (Stewart, 1998).…”

“…Las diferencias entre grupos en cuanto a síndromes clínicos se han mantenido según lo esperado y en coherencia con otros estudios realizados con PsH (Humphreys, 1995;Kahn et al, 1987;Mavis et al, 1993;Morse et al, 1992;Mowbray et al, 1993;Solarz y Bogat, 1990;). Sin embargo, los resultados no han permitido replicar la presencia de los subtipos; «abuso de sustancias» o «antisocial», variables con altas puntuaciones en los dos cluster encontrados.…”

Homeless Service Delivery in the Context of Continuum of Care

“…In contrast to homelessness before the 1980s, 1 the homeless population today constitutes a diverse group with people from various ethnic communities, single males and females, families with children, unaccompanied youths, and individuals with severe and persistent mental health and substance use problems (Shlay & Rossi, 1992). The increased heterogeneity of the homeless population has prompted public awareness of the need for an array of interventions providing services to various subgroups of homeless clients (Kuhn & Culhane, 1998;Mowbray, Bybee, & Cohen, 1993).…”