Institutional staff used behavior modification and reality therapy to bring about positive behavioral changes in 20 severely retarded, emotionally disturbed adolescents as measured on two adaptive behavior scales. (Author)

Studied (N=40) educably mentally retarded students in an experimental group who were verbally praised after responses to the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised). Scaled scores for five of eleven subtests, in addition to the Verbal, Performance and Full Scale indices, were significantly greater under the experimental procedure.…

The authors advocate the adoption, in Michigan and elsewhere, of the recognized specialist, Certified Behavior Therapist. (DB)

Results indicate: (1) medium overlearning enhances skill transfer; (2) high overlearning decreases skill acquisition and transfer; and (3) precounseling structuring has no effect on acquisition or transfer. The method evaluated is effective in teaching social skills to institutionalized elderly. (Author)

Interviews were held with 88 mentally retarded institutionalized adults (ages 18 to 30) in order to identify types of verbal and nonverbal behavior that are associated with making positive or negative impressions on others and that therefore might be priority targets for communication training efforts. (Author)

In a group of 20 severely to profoundly mentally retarded adults, an interactional dominance hierarchy was obtained by observing the frequency of patient contacts, the duration of contact, and the frequency of contact initiation. It was found that 17 of the 20 patients studied displayed territorial behavior. (Author)

The study compared the characteristics of individuals residing in either institutional or community settings in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and one regional center in California. The results show that the more severely mentally retarded persons, with their attendant handicaps and maladaptive behavior, are still likely to be found in an…

Ward residents view their dwelling as less secure and feel less able to control social encounters than do single room residents. Single room residents express greater desires for isolation and disclosure restriction. Data are consistent with an adaptation model of privacy-sociability preference. (Author)

The mother of a moderately mentally handicapped son describes her decision to place her child in residential care. The author discusses her adjustment on learning of her son's handicap and how, after 10 years, she is confident that the decision she made was right for her family. (PHR)

Describes a study conducted regarding the reading preferences of older adults. Noninstitutionalized older adults tend to read to gain knowledge; those who are institutionalized tend to read primarily to pass time. Suggestions, such as including large-print books, are listed to improve the reading habits of both groups. (CT)

Describes services and operation of the Family Protection Act Unit in San Mateo County, California. After three years, the number of children receiving financial aid in foster care decreased by 33 percent and the number of children placed in institutions decreased by 40 percent, while guardianships and adoptions increased by 16 and 25 percent,…

A multiple-component strategy was investigated for aiding staff responsible for supervising production of 16 lower-functioning retarded clients (ages 20 to 53) on contract tasks in an institution-based sheltered workshop. Production performance increased during the production supervisory strategy with all 16 clients, with the range of increase…

Seven frequently used measures were examined by construct validation to improve measures. Results of this research indicate that there is a construct, termed "life satisfaction," shared by six of the seven measures and that no existing instrument best encompasses that construct. The construct is composed of two factors. (Author)

Why do some clients use institutional services, while others, with comparable impairment, use community-based services? Results indicated that the institutional group was more likely to have had previous service contact, to have less support from family members or friends, and to be more impaired. (Author)

The study was designed to determine the effects of increased stimulation on the hyperactive behavior of three profoundly retarded boys (mean age 14 years). The results of the study indicated that increased stimulation was effective in reducing the Ss' hyperactive behavior. (Author)