Factors affecting the type and frequency of acting out behavior on elderly persons with mental retardation
Abstract
A sample of 103 elderly men and women with mental retardation, with no history of institutionalization and attending day programs were studied in an effort to identify factors associated with the type and frequency of acting out behavior they engaged in. Frequency and type of acting out behavior (aggressive, self-injurious, and destructive) were assessed with factors under four main categories: Personal, Health and Functional Impairment, Family Contact, and Programmatic. Factors associated with the frequency of acting out behavior were type of residence, degree of family contact, and type of programming received in the day programs. Co-morbidity was associated with aggressive behavior, while degree of family contact was associated with destructive behavior. There are implications for the importance of informal supports, attentiveness to health needs, and changes in programming in potentially decreasing the occurrence of acting out behavior in this population. ^
Subject Area
Gerontology|Psychology, Behavioral|Social Work
Recommended Citation
Eli Bruce Hoch,
"Factors affecting the type and frequency of acting out behavior on elderly persons with mental retardation"
(January 1, 2002).
ETD Collection for Fordham University.
Paper AAI3058894.
http://fordham.bepress.com/dissertations/AAI3058894