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Advancement to independent living: A model behavioral program for the intermediate care of adults with behavioral and emotional problems
Author(s) -
Sanders Steve H.,
Williamson Don,
Akey Rhonda,
Hollis Pam
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/1520-6629(197607)4:3<275::aid-jcop2290040309>3.0.co;2-v
Subject(s) - interpersonal communication , medicine , psychology , social psychology
This article describes and evaluates the treatment effectiveness of a behaviorally oriented intermediate day‐care clinic for adults with psychiatric disturbances. The goals of the program included reducing the number of psychiatric hospital admissions and readmissions, providing a community‐based controlled environment to assist patients in the modification of specific problem behavior, improving interpersonal relations with “significant others” in the natural environment, teaching patients how to use community resources, and preparing them for employment and/or continued outpatient treatment. The program was structured so that patients advance through a series of four achievement levels for a variety of extrinsic and intrinsic reinforcers. While in the program, patients were introduced to available community resources, and were gradually phased into follow‐up services. Results showed that 79% of all patients thus far treated partially, if not completely, advanced through the levels. There was also a high probability that a patient would advance from any given level. Outside‐clinic behavior showed sustained improvement, with the authors concluding that the day‐care clinic offered promise for the future.