The Effectiveness of Relaxation and Problem Solving Training on The Rate of Aggression in Mentally Retarded Adults (Social Skills)

Since the late 1960's there has been a trend towards the placement of mentally retarded persons in community residential facilities rather than large institutions. While many of these individuals are able to adjust to their new environment, a large percentage are returned to the institution because of maladaptive or inappropriate behavior. Physical aggression has been cited as the primary reason for their return. This research study developed a progressive muscle relaxation and social skills training program as a treatment strategy for reducing aggressive behavior in eight mildly and moderately mentally retarded adults. The treatment package consisted of ten consecutive days of progressive muscle relaxation and ten days of social skills training. All training sessions were conducted in a group setting with four subjects in each group. The study was conducted at a 200 bed, mental health, residential facility in East Central Illinois. The target behaviors were personal injury, self abuse, property damage, and verbal abuse.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Social Work

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Hodges, Vanessa Gale

• Social Work

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8521788

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/71488