The aim of this study was to investigate several aspects of daily thinking among delinquents and nondelinquents while adequately controlling institutionalization. Noninstitutionalized subjects demonstrate a higher degree of activity in their daily thinking than their institutionalized counterparts. (Author)

This study monitored the impact of intra-institutional relocation upon the mortality and morbidity of movers and nonmovers over a period of 30 months. Results reveal a higher mortality rate and a greater decrement on the physical and mental functioning of male patients who were transferred. (Author)

The authors cite the potential of recent court decisions regarding the rights of institutionalized retarded persons for bankrupting states such as Alabama, which must meet minimum standards. (CL)

Predictors of success in learning manual expressive communication were examined for 15 nonverbal profoundly retarded males (14-30 years old). (Author/CL)

The basic supposition of this paper is that older prisoners possessing unique characteristics necessitate a specific program designed to meet their particular needs. The development of an experimental therapeutic program for such older prisoners is described. (Author)

Presents the historical development of halfway houses as a transitional residence for offenders being released from an institution plus current criticisms and issues regarding these programs. (Author/HMU)

Leisure services, especially those involving aged people, need to focus not on the activities themselves, but on awareness of leisure, lifestyles, interrelationships, processes, values needs, and the meaning of activity. (MB)

Presented is a step by step procedure for normalizing the life situations of institutionalized handicapped persons by establishing comprehensive community services on a local level. Available from: American Association for the Education of the Severely/Profoundly Handicapped, 1600 West Armory Way, Seattle, Washington 98119. (GW)

An exploratory investigation was conducted of the impact of interinstitutional relocation on 92 mentally retarded residents (ranging in age from 10 to 42 years). (Author/DB)

The ethical primacy of patient involvement in treatment decision-making requires that more attention be paid to assessment of a patient's competency to make treatment decisions. Makes recommendations to increase sensitivity to this issue with significantly impaired elderly nursing home patients and to improve existing decision-making procedures.…

Research on differences between families who do or do not seek residential placement for their severely mentally retarded children was summarized and organized within McCubbin and Patterson's (1983) Double ABCX Family Crisis Model, which considers family factors (demands, resources, and perspectives) in three phases (adjustment, restructuring, and…

Dyskinesia, abnormal involuntary movements associated with long-term neuroleptic drug use, was evaluated with 344 institutionalized profoundly mentally retarded adults using the Dyskinesia Identification System Condensed User Scale. Results indicated performance deficits on activation tasks associated with intelligence quotients, neuroleptic…

Experience with provision of optimal health services to mentally retarded individuals in institutional settings can be applied and adapted to design services for such adults living in the community. Coordination of health care by a team of nurses, primary care physicians, and special medical services is recommended. (Author/DB)

A survey of parents of mentally retarded children residing in publicly funded institutions found that they tended to endorse the current service model, although not without qualifications. Parents were generally not accepting of the idea of community placement, especially those parents who had never visited a group home. (Author/VW)