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Social networks of people with mental retardation in residential settings.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>2001
<mark>Journal</mark>Mental Retardation
Issue number3
Volume39
Number of pages14
Pages (from-to)201-214
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Information was collected on the social networks of 500 adults with mental retardation receiving different types of residential supports. Results indicated that (a) the reported median size of participants' social networks (excluding staff) was 2 people; (b) 83% of participants were reported to have a staff member; 72%, a member of their family; 54%, another person with mental retardation; and 30%, a person who did not fit into any of these categories in their social network; (c) variation in the size and composition of participants' social networks was associated with a range of variables, including the personal characteristics of residents (age, autism, ability, and challenging behavior), the type of previous and current accommodation, staffing ratios, institutional climate, and the implementation of “active support.”