ADAPTATION TO GROUP HOME LIVING FOR ADULTS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION ASA FUNCTION OF PREVIOUS RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT

Changes in adaptive functioning subsequent to a group home placement w as assessed for deinstitutionalized and previously non-institutionaliz ed adults with mental retardation. Results indicated that both groups exper-ienced a significant increase in overall adaptive functioning su bsequent to group home placement. The results also indicated that neit her group experienced a significantly greater increase in adaptive beh aviour compared to the other. Additionally, it was found that the dein stitutionalized group functioned at a higher adaptive level overall th an did the previously non-institutionalized group. These results are c onsistent with previous research regarding the benefits of a group hom e placement on deinstitutionalized individuals. This research extends previous research by demonstrating that group home placements also hav e a signi-ficant impact on the adaptive behaviour of previously non-in stitutionalized individuals.