Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the number of residents with a serious mental illness per State as a function of five demographic variables.  The five demographic variables analyzed were the races; White, Black, Indian, Asian, and Other as people not classified elsewhere per thousand.  The goal was to determine which variables were significant predictors of a States populations residents who have a serious mental illness. Statistical analysis of data from the 1990 census and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reveals that all of the five variables are significant predictors of a States mentally ill population. The White population was the most statically significant results with t(49) = 58.52, p <.01. It was followed in significance by the Black population with t(49) = 10.69,  p <,.01 and then Other population with t(49) = 10.18, p < .01. The Asian population follows with t(49) = 8.27, p < .01. The Indian population although statistically significant is the least consistent of the 5 independent variables considered. Its t(49) = 3.09, p < .01.  Political and health department leaders could use these five variables to analyze their populations and develop effective policies and programs to ensure adequate care for people with mental illness