Charles C. Cleland

Self-recognition in profoundly retarded males

Two studies are reported on the capacity of profoundly mentally retarded adults to recognize self. Study A reflects a partial replication of Gallop’s (1970) study of self-recognition in chimpanzees, while Study B employed a criterion task suggested by the psychoanalytic conception of primary narcissism. Results of both studies indicate no unequivocal support that the profoundly retarded can recognize self, and they appear less capable than chimpanzees or normal human infants of 7 months. Failure to install self-recognition subsequent to mirror training is discussed and suggestions for further research are offered.

Educational Applications of Humanistic Psychology.

Abstract Maslows theory of human motivation contains the nuclear ideas for a model of a transcendent human survival. While critics have decried the absence of empirical support for the theory beyond the level of physiological or safety needs, Maslows ideas are none the less generating a number of studies, some of which clearly reflect on the higher-order needs of man. This paper presents a hypothetical school, along with suggestions concerning the teacher-curricular composition that would help operationalize Maslows theory in the schools. The aim and objectives of the hypothetical school seek to reduce the animal in man and to produce truly human beings. Attention is also given to certain relevant aspects of the theory that are often ignored in the zeal of educational innovators to totally equate learning with happiness. Many ideas presented in this paper have been applied by different educators in a variety of settings. However, this paper discusses the systematic implementation of the research and theory current in humanistic psychology circles.

Mortality and important events: Another look

The “death dip/death rise” hypothesis in relation to important life events was reexamined using conventional and Schulz and Bazerman’s (1980) methodological refinements. We studied 463 profoundly mentally retarded (PMR) (mean IQ = 7) who died in Texas institutions. By using a sample in which psychological variables were unlikely to effect timing of death, we found no evidence for the “death dip/death rise” phenomenon for Christmas, Thanksgiving, date of institutionalization, or birthdays. Had a significant “death dip/death rise” effect occurred in our sample, then some endogenous rhythm would have been a compelling hypothesis. That such did not occur effectively refutes physiological variables. Overall, our results fail to support the validity of death dip and death rise phenomena.

RELATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF MODELING AND VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS ON SEVERE RETARDATES' GROSS MOTOR PERFORMANCE

Previous research utilizing modeling procedures with the severely retarded has used verbal instruction contiguous to imitation training. This study explored the relative efficacy of modeling and verbal instruction employed independently. The failure to achieve imitative learning under either treatment condition is consistent with the reported non-imitative status of this population. Methodological implications for modeling as a behavior modification technique with this population are discussed.

Unionization of Institutions: A Therapeutic Event

Unionization of public employees, especially institutional personnel, is a phenomenon of recent origin. The entire service sector in increasingly sensitized to this activity. Personnel problems of institutions and rapid technological and communication changes are isolated to suggest reasons unions are increasingly attracted to and simultaneously welcomed by many employees. The conventional managerial wisdom of resisting unions is challenged by considering the therapeutic potential for patients and employees that may accompany broad-scale organization of institutional employees. Improvement of the “power balance” between professionals and subprofessionals is viewed as instrumental in strengthening the psychological bond between patients and employees, and mutual union-management interest areas are delineated to suggest an improved collective bargaining approach.

Tool use in profoundly retarded humans: A method of subgrouping

Tool using among profoundly mentally retarded (IQ r = 1-19) is described as a method of delineating functional subtypes within this narrow intellectual range. Four cases of tool using and problem solving are presented, illustrative of how naturalistic observation of spontaneous tool using can complement intelligence testing in extracting more from less trainable persons in the lowest functioning human group. Although tool use rarely occurs at this level, its presence suggests an improved method for further training via imitation learning.

Perception of depth in the profoundly retarded

Profoundly mentally retarded male Ss, having a M social age of 1.65 and a M social quotient of 6.63, were tested for depth perception on the “visual cliff” (Gibson & Walk, 1960). Thirty-nine percent of those tested clearly perceived this illusion of depth. The theoretical and practical implications of this experiment, and further experiments to be carried out in the future, are discussed.

Behavioral Correlates of Noncommunicators

A group of noncommunicating (NC) mental retardates (MR) were compared with a matched group of communicating (C) peers on 10 behavior categories. The NC group rated higher on variables of Aggressiveness and Prefers Solitude, while the C group achieved significantly higher ratings on variables of Interacts, Participates, Feeding Skills, and Dressing Skills. A frustration-aggression interpretation was discussed along with the need for intervention techniques to instill communication skills.

Preparing Institutionalized Retarded for Autonomous Living: Training for Illness and Retirement.

AbstractCurrent training programs, designed to habilitate the institutionalized mentally retarded for autonomous living outside of a protective environment, have focused little on prescriptive practices in two important areas: health care and old age and its consequences. This paper presents suggestions for training programs in self-help care and in preparation for the realities of future life which should help produce community living adult mentally retarded better equipped to cope with two of lifes most important and unavoidable realities —. recurring illness and eventual unemployment.

Changing existing attitudes--a dissonance approach.

Two studies test techniques for changing existing attitudes. The first employs dissonant information, ostensibly from peers, as a lever. The second exposes Ss to the situation on which baseline attitudes have been established. In the first study, the dissonance approach results in a significant mean attitude change. In the second study, the resistance to change is also predicted by Festingers theory, i.e., to have perceived information differently from that reflected in existing attitudes would have resulted in a state of dissonance.