Anger, depression and self-concept in adults with mental retardation

Self-report measures of anger, depression and self-concept that were designed for non-retarded children were adapted for adults with mental retardation. The measures were administered to 130 adults with mental retardation who lived in the community. Informants rated the subjects on shortened forms of the three emotional indices. Informant self-concept ratings were negatively correlated with ratings of anger and depression. On the self-report measures, subjects who reported low self-concept also reported high levels of depression. Mildly mentally retarded subjects were more likely to report anger than severe/moderately retarded subjects. Informant and self-report measures were significantly correlated for self-concept and depression, but not for anger. The results provide preliminary normative data on indices of emotional adjustment for community-based adults with mental retardation.