Studied predictability of therapeutic outcome of an alcoholism treatment program. Data analyzed by a mathematically oriented linear regression approach and by a clinically oriented retrospective parametric approach showed different predictors. Suggested that the parametric clinical approach be used to explain why therapy succeeded or failed.…

Studied the relationship between Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) scores obtained through three testing conditions (praise, neutral feedback, and token reinforcement) and previous records of academic achievement for conduct-disordered adolescent girls (N=51). Results showed that regardless of testing conditions, the subtests were…

Information on the establishment, makeup, functions, and performance of Human Rights Committees (HRCs) was obtained through a 1981 survey of officials in 74 state residential facilities (for the mentally retarded) in 36 states. The most commonly reported HRC activity involved behavior modification programs and psychotropic medication. (Author/SEW)

It is increasingly obvious that prison school educators must work toward keeping the public informed with concrete evidence of the value of prison educational systems. As the public is made aware of and understands the benefits which the society can derive from correctional education programs, approval of and support for these programs should…

The relationship between sign and verbal learning was explored using 10 severely mentally retarded adults. They were taught color labels in sign, verbal, or sign and verbal groups. Sign labels tended to be learned more efficiently; combined sign and verbal training improved verbal learning but not sign learning. (Author/CM)

Reviews 10 studies in which psychiatric patients considered seriously ill were randomly assigned to either inpatient care or some alternative mode of outpatient care. Finds that in no case were the outcomes of hospitalization more positive than alternative treatment. (Author/GC)

Interpersonal networks of 56 residents in a home for the aged were studied before and after relocation. Close primary relationships were associated with successful adjustment to relocation as measured by changes in life satisfaction, degree of physical infirmity, psychological deterioration and agitation. (Author)

A training program was undertaken with 12 cultural-familial and 12 organic institutionalized young adults to determine if organic signs on the Bender-Gestalt visual-motor test could be reversed. Significant improvement was obtained. Results are discussed in relation to perceptual-motor regression and its potential for reversibility. (Author/SJL)

The study evaluated a reality therapy program used with 20 institutionalized mentally retarded (mild to profound) and emotionally disturbed adolescents residing in an institution. Results indicated that 17 of the Ss increased adaptive behaviors and all decreased maladaptive behaviors. (DB)

Loneliness was the main factor underlying failure to adjust. Furthermore, widowhood and being alone had a considerable influence. The degree of disability and the age of the individual proved to have a smaller impact than was assumed to be the case. (Author)

Describes the use of symbolic gifts as a subtle confrontational treatment technique that counterbalances harsher encounter methods usually employed in drug-free therapeutic communities. Recommends use of this technique as an ancillary treatment device in milieu therapy settings. (Author)

The meaning of the label "mentally retarded" is discussed with two adults who have been labeled mentally retarded and have spent a significant portion of their lives in residential facilities, and their stories are contrasted with R. Edgerton's classic study, "The Cloak of Competence." (PHR)

Caretakers and homes from which deinstitutionalized community placed clients had been returned to the institution were compared to caretakers and homes from which no clients had been returned. These two groups differed significantly in terms of amount of caretaker experience and in terms of proximity of members of the caretaker's family to the…

Effects of passive environmental conditions (quiet, radio, and television) and manipulable objects (no toys, toys, toys plus staff interaction) on stereotypic behaviors of four institutionalized mentally retarded adults with high rates of stereotypic behavior were evaluated. (Author)