An Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between Group Home Factors and Leisure Behavior of Adults Who Are Mentally Retarded
Malik, Patricia Barrett
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/70948
Description
Title
An Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between Group Home Factors and Leisure Behavior of Adults Who Are Mentally Retarded
Author(s)
Malik, Patricia Barrett
Issue Date
1988
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Peterson, Carol Ann,
Department of Study
Leisure Studies
Discipline
Leisure Studies
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Date of Ingest
2014-12-16T04:26:14Z
Keyword(s)
Recreation
Abstract
This study was designed to expand on what is currently known concerning the environment-behavior interaction which occurs in group home residences. More specifically, leisure behavior is the focus of this study. The research was designed to: (1) investigate whether an association exists between socio-physical factors in the group home (access to and number of leisure resources, and attitudes and control practices of staff) and the leisure behavior of residents; (2) investigate whether an association exists between resident characteristics (IQ and repertoire of leisure skills) and the leisure behavior of residents; (3) determine the relative contribution of each factor to the level and variety of leisure behavior; and, (4) investigate residents' perceptions of the quality of their leisure experiences in their home environment.
Due to the complexities involved in answering questions involving real world environments and individuals' behaviors and perceptions, a variety of data collection methods were used. These included systematic observation, measures of staff perceptions (Leisure Attitude Scale and Community Oriented Programs Evaluation Scale) and resident interviews. It was anticipated that this multi-method approach would give a more thorough "picture" of the living environments of group homes.
The nine group homes in this study had a total of fifty-eight residents. Fifty-three of these residents participated in the study. The sample was comprised of 31 women and 22 women. They ranged in age from 20 to 68 years with a mean of 36 years. Subjects' level of mental retardation broke down into the following categories: mild (18.9%), moderate (18.9%), severe (41.5%), and profound (20.8%). Thirty-five direct care staff completed the Leisure Attitude Scale and Community-Oriented Programs Evaluation Scale.
Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis and multiple regression analyses were employed to examine the relationship between group home factors and leisure behavior of group home residents. The findings revealed significant negative associations between number of leisure resources and leisure behavior, as well as access of leisure resources and leisure behavior. A strong positive association was found between leisure behavior and leisure attitude scores of staff. The number of residents' independent leisure skills and their leisure behavior were also positively associated. Qualitative interviews revealed that higher cognitively functioning mentally retarded adults are not much different than their non-mentally retarded cohorts concerning what they enjoy in their leisure. Implications for therapeutic recreation programs and recommendations of further research are presented.
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