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Prevalence of multiple problem behaviors in institutionalized nonambulatory profoundly mentally retarded children
Author(s) -
Dura Jason R.,
Mulick James A.,
Myers Eric G.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
behavioral interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.605
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1099-078X
pISSN - 1072-0847
DOI - 10.1002/bin.2360030402
Subject(s) - mentally retarded , psychology , residential care , psychiatry , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , gerontology , medicine
Deinstitutionalization has resulted in increasing degrees of mental and physical handicap in the populations served by residential care facilities. Previous research has linked increasing levels of handicap with increased risk of problem behaviors. The present study examines the prevalence of multiple problem behaviors in a residential center specializing in serving the needs of the most profoundly handicapped subgroup of children with mental retardation. The subjects were 51 male and 50 female (mean age = 13 years) children who were nonambulatory and profoundly mentally retarded. Prevalence of problematic behaviors are reported along with the risk of injury to self and others posed by the behaviors. The prevalence of problematic behaviors are discussed relative to changing patterns in institutional populations and the subsequent challenge regarding habilitative programming efforts.