Occupational role development in the young adult with mild mental retardation

This study investigated the occupational choice process according to the special needs of the young adult with mild mental retardation. The study was guided by specific assumptions developed after a review of the literature concerning the condition of mental retardation and occupational role development. Propositions were developed and a model was constructed to illustrate the relationships between components of the occupational choice process and factors affecting occupational role development. A case study is presented to illustrate that the theory could be applied to a practical situation and to illustrate those areas for occupational therapy intervention.