SOCIAL ECOLOGY OF SUPERVISED COMMUNAL FACILITIES FOR MENTALLY-DISABLED ADULTS .2. PREDICTORS OF AFFILIATION

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 85  (3) , 229-242
Abstract
The behavior of 304 mentally disabled [human] adults, was observed in 5 settings (1 residence, 4 sheltered workshops) during periods when they were free to affiliate with peers. Regression analyses using settings, personal traits (age, sex, IQ and diagnosis) and mediating variables (e.g., physical attractiveness, desire for affiliation and length of institutionalization) were conducted to predict various aspects of affiliative behavior. Settings accounted for 16-63% of the predictable variation independent of personal and mediating variables. Although older and mentally ill clients affiliated less extensively, neither degree of retardation, length of previous institutionalization, use of medication or other physical disabilities appeared to affect affiliation independent of other variables. Clients who were physically attractive, desired affiliation and had intelligent peers in their programs affiliated more extensively and intensively with peers. The variables most predictive of affiliation in the present community settings were also the ones most amenable to personal or environmental change.