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Effects on Sociometric Status of Institutional Pressure to Adjust Among Retarded Children *
Author(s) -
DENTLER ROBERT A.,
MACKLER BERNARD
Publication year - 1964
Publication title -
british journal of social and clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.479
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 2044-8260
pISSN - 0007-1293
DOI - 10.1111/j.2044-8260.1964.tb00409.x
Subject(s) - conformity , institutionalisation , psychology , sociometric status , developmental psychology , social status , institution , mental hospital , clinical psychology , social psychology , psychiatry , sociology , social science
This paper reports findings from a study of the social effects of pressures to adjust to a new group environment, as these were felt by newly arrived boys in a state hospital and training centre for mentally retarded children. Previous research reveals a correlation between cottage status and mental ability, and status and conformity to institutional norms. This study examined processes underlying these relations. For 29 retardates, mean age 9.6 years, mean I.Q. 56, group status initially correlated highly and positively with mental ability, social initiative as measured by observed frequency of attempted contacts with peers, and restriction of conduct as measured by frequency of aide discipline. In the second month of cottage life, following severe restriction by aides, these relationships changed: the abler, hence more frequently restricted boys, experienced a decline in status. Thus the effect of the institution is to control social relations by restricting activity and so modify group structure as to make relative ability, social or mental, a liability. Initially, the function of institutionalization is to conserve individual disabilities.