Which of the following became a significant problem after the de-institutionalization movement of the 1970s?

• A. Increased rates of homelessness among individuals with severe mental illness
• B. A dramatic rise in the number of psychiatric hospitals
• C. Universal access to comprehensive mental health care
• D. Decreased stigma associated with mental illness

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the de-institutionalization movement, which involved closing many large psychiatric hospitals and shifting care to community-based settings.
2. Recognize that one intended goal of de-institutionalization was to improve quality of life by integrating individuals with mental illness into society rather than isolating them in institutions.
3. Consider the consequences of this shift, including whether adequate community support systems and resources were established to meet the needs of individuals with severe mental illness.
4. Analyze the options given: a rise in psychiatric hospitals contradicts the movement's goal; universal access to care was not achieved widely; stigma reduction is a positive outcome but not the main problem.
5. Conclude that the significant problem was the increased rates of homelessness among individuals with severe mental illness due to insufficient community support after hospital closures.