EFFECTS OF SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL-CHANGE ON INSTITUTIONALIZED MENTALLY-RETARDED PERSONS - RELOCATION SYNDROME RECONSIDERED

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 84  (3) , 266-272
Abstract
The relocation syndrome in multiply-handicapped, institutionalized mentally retarded residents was examined. Weight change and the initiation and duration of constructive and nonconstructive behavior were observed and resident-staff interactions before and after relocation to a new living unit. The hypothesis that there would be an increase in behavior deleterious to the health of clients after relocation, when compared to 2 premove baseline periods of crowding, was not totally supported. Although relocation did cause significant changes in a variety of behaviors, not all were deleterious (i.e., no mortalities, weight gains). A social-situational model was discussed.