Personality Development And Social Behavior In The Mentally Retarded

This volume, first published in 1999, provides a single resource for all those working in mental retardation.

Motivation is the energizing force that drives much of our attention, conscious effort, and achievement in life. Yet this important driving force may be absent, low, or problematic in persons with mental retardation. This special thematic volume in the International Review of Research in Mental Retardation focuses on motivation within this special population. The book explores several theoretical models of motivation, as well as discussing issues of goal orientation, self-regulated academic learning, the setting and monitoring of realistic goals, and social competence for people with mental retardation. Additional chapters discuss the measurement of subjective well-being and quality of life in this population, and strategies for empowering students with developmental difficulties as well as instructional practices and contexts that can enhance motivation, learning, and achievement. Volume 28 of International Review of Research in Mental Retardation (front flap) Praise for the Series: "In 1999... the International Review was reinvigorated... in these volumes one sees evidence of a vibrant, diverse field." -CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGY "Belongs on the shelves of every serious student and researcher whose focal interest is the retarded." -JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY "Practically every article is of interest for psychologists who are involved with mental retardation." -CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGY International Review of Research in Mental Retardation was established under the editorship of Dr. Norman R. Ellis in 1966. As a result of his editorial effort and the contributions of many authors, the serial is now recognized as the area's best source for reviews of behavioral research on mental retardation. From its inception, active research scientists and graduate students in mental retardation have looked to this serial as a major source of critical reviews of research and theory in the area. (back flap) International Review of Research in Mental Retardation is an ongoing scholarly look at research into the causes, effects, classification systems, syndromes, etc. of mental retardation. Contributors come from wide-ranging perspectives, including genetics, psychology, education, and other health and behavioral sciences. Other volumes include: Volume 27 Language and Communication in Mental Retardation This thematic volume focuses on language and communication in individuals with Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, WIlliams Syndrome, and Fetal Alcohol Condition. Coverage also includes problems in verbal memory, language comprehension, and reading across different mental retardation conditions, as well as language intervention and augmentative and nonverbal communication possibilities with mentally retarded children. 2003, 324 pp. ISBN: 0-12-366227-3 Volume 26 2003, 352 pp. ISBN: 0-12-366226-5 Volume 25 2002, 312 pp. ISBN: 0-12-366225-7 Volume 24 2001, 384 pp. ISBN: 0-12-366224-9 Volume 23 Autism This thematic volume provides a comprehensive overview of research on autism. Coverage includes discussion of the genetics, diagnosis, neural and cognitive bases, and development of autism. 2001, 328 pp. ISBN: 0-12-366223-0

Volume 31 of the International Review of Research in Mental Retardation is a thematic exploration of personality and motivation in persons with mental retardation. Looking at a broad spectrum of intellectual disabilities, Mental Retardation, Personality, and Motivational Systems explores motivation as a moderator for performance and individualized effort. Coverage includes discussions of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in both mentally retarded and non-retarded children, self-determination, interpersonal decision making in adolescents and adults with mental retardation, interpersonal relationships, and the connection between etiological-specific differences and motivation to form "behavioral phenotypes." A final chapter presents a transactional perspective on human ability, relying on constructs of intelligence, cognitive processes, and motivation, with implications for developmental interventions in the lives of persons with mental retardation. Explores personality and motivation in persons with mental retardation Discusses intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in both mentally retarded and non-retarded children A useful reference for researchers and scholars in developmental and cognitive psychology, as well as neuropsychology

In this important book, one of the most exciting and promising developments in clinical psychology-behavior modification is applied to the treatment of the mentally retarded, particularly those whose behavior poses difficult problems for institutions. Professor Gardner presents an easily intelligible yet detailed account of the concepts and practices of behavior modification and the underlying learning systems, with numerous clinical illustrations of applying specific techniques to various educational and rehabilitation problems. A thorough discussion of the inadequacies of the psychological evaluation systems normally used in education and rehabilitation is offered, along with an alternative behavior analysis approach that provides a method of translating evaluation data into treatment practices. In explaining behavior analysis, the author takes into account the limited behavioral repertoire of the retarded and environmental deficits. Individual chapters on respondent, operant, and observational learning, and a detailed discussion of a functional analysis approach to evaluation, are included. Proven behavior modification strategies are presented along with a review of related research and clinical studies. The book closes with a detailed description of a research program for the design and testing of sheltered workshop systems for the retarded and emotionally disturbed. The positive approach inherent in the belief that behavior is modifiable-even in the severely limited retarded-is in marked contrast to the pessimism of other systems of therapy, education, and training. Also, the author has concentrated throughout on making the book understandable to clinicians and students with no previous knowledge of behavior modification. Besides serving as a valuable handbook for all treatment personnel, the book can also be used as a basic text for various courses dealing with mental retardation.