Andrea G. Zetlin

Self-concept measurement in mentally retarded adults: a micro-analysis of response styles.

The Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory were administered orally to 46 mentally retarded adults employed in a sheltered workshop. In-depth analysis of transcripts of the taped testing sessions revealed that the majority of the item responses were ambiguous and not readily scorable within the standardized procedures. Characterization of the problematic response patterns indicated assorted qualifications, contradictory assertions, and responses which had little relevance to the item content. Of those factors that might account for these ambiguous responses, it appears that social desirability, acquiescence, personal agendas, recipient design errors, and lack of item comprehension are among the most salient.

Adult mildly retarded persons and their parents: The relationship between involvement and adjustment

The relationships of 29 mildly mentally retarded adults, who were living independently in the community, and their parents were examined. Analysis of ethnographic data from 18 months of participant observation of these mentally retarded adults and approximately 9 hours of parent interview revealed three types of parent-child relationships: Supportive, in which adult children were the most independent and had the highest self-esteem and in which parents promoted growth and development; Dependent, in which adults felt good about themselves but were over protected by their parents; and Conflict-ridden, in which adults were the least well-adjusted and parent-child interaction was discordant. The most salient finding was the relative lack of self-maintenance displayed by the mentally retarded adults in all three groups and the extensiveness of support provided by parents.

Characterizing verbal interaction among moderately mentally retarded peers: Some methodological issues☆

The peer interaction of three moderately mentally retarded adolescents was analyzed using two observation techniques, one qualitative and one quantitative. Findings from each methodology are contrasted and their relative merits for the interpretation of conversational interaction are discussed. It is concluded that there is a need for a different type of quantitative coding scheme that looks at units of interaction rather than subunits of time and that qualitative analysis should precede the construction of quantitative measures in order to ensure ecologically valid behavior descriptors.

Mentally retarded teenagers: adolescent behavior disturbance and its relation to family environment

The relationship between adolescent adjustment problems and different family environments was examined in 25 mildly retarded individuals. Analysis of the data revealed that those from supportive families were the least likely to experience serious behavior disturbances. When they did, as in the case of those from homes in which dependency was encouraged, it was most likely to be a form of emotional disturbance. Those from families characterized by conflict were most likely to act out and adopt antisocial forms of behavior. Factors in each of the family situations which may have had a shaping effect on the adjustment patterns were elaborated.