Maladaptive behavior and community placement of mentally retarded persons

The prevalence of maladaptive behavior was investigated for retarded individuals residing in institutions, community facilities, or their own home. In addition, the relationship between behavior problems and sex, age, level of retardation, and race was examined. The findings confirmed a much higher prevalence of behavior problems in the institutions as compared to community placements. The data also suggested that the profoundly retarded individuals, unless handicapped by not being able to move around, exhibit more injurious behavior than moderately and mildly retarded persons.