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Predicting adaptive functioning of mentally retarded persons in community settings
American Journal of Mental Deficiency
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Environmental factors significantly influence adaptive functioning in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Normalization strategies in residential and community settings show a strong positive impact on independent living skills.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Developmental Disabilities Research
Background:
- Adaptive functioning is crucial for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Understanding factors influencing independent living is essential for effective support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of individual, residential, and community variables on adaptive functioning.
- To identify key predictors of independent functioning in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Main Methods:
- Multiple-regression analysis was employed to assess the influence of various factors.
- Individual characteristics (e.g., IQ) and environmental variables were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Individual characteristics, particularly IQ, explained 21% of the variance in adaptive functioning.
- Environmental variables, especially those related to normalization, accounted for 35% of the variance.
- Normalization was identified as a significant predictor of improved adaptive functioning.
Conclusions:
- Environmental normalization is a key factor in promoting independent functioning for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Normalization strategies can be viewed as both an ideology and an effective intervention technology.
- Further research into normalization's role in enhancing adaptive skills is warranted.