Award Date

1-1-1997

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Number of Pages

113

Abstract

Recent research regarding persons with developmental disabilities has focused on the effects of choice availability on adaptive and maladaptive behavior. Because degree of choice within one's living environment is considered a key element of quality of life, it seems important to evaluate this variable and its relationship to adaptive and maladaptive behavior. In this preliminary study, direct-care staff members in a group-home setting were taught to increase choice opportunities in the areas of eating, leisure, and personal hygiene for residents with mild, moderate, or severe mental retardation. This investigation also examined the effects of increased choice availability on residents' adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. Increased staff training on choice availability was expected to result in improved choice and changes in levels of adaptive and maladaptive behavior for such residents. Results indicated that direct-care staff members who received training to increase choice reported increased choice opportunities for their residents. Increased choice, however, did not lead to improved levels of adaptive and maladaptive behavior for treatment group residents.

Keywords

Adaptive; Availability; Behaviors; Behaviorpersons; Choice; Developmental; Disabilities; Effects; Group; Home; Maladaptive; Persons; Setting; Staff; Training

Controlled Subject

Clinical psychology; Social service; Behaviorism (Psychology)

File Format

pdf

File Size

2549.76 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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