Journal on Developmental Disabilities
Le journal sur les handicaps du développement

Abstract

This study examined staff behaviour and its relationship to problem behaviour in a group of 17 adults with developmental disabilities who moved from a provincial institution to community group homes. Data were collected in both settings on resident and staff behaviours. Results indicated that staff:resident ratios were higher in the community settings than in the institutional setting. Consequently, community staff were able to provide more individualized attention to each resident. Staff in both settings were much more likely to attend to residents when they were displaying problem behaviours then appropriate behaviours. Levels of resident problem behaviour did not differ significantly between the two settings and were higher in both settings when staff were absent from the room compared to when they were present. Staff reported increased opportunities for social and leisure activities when residents were living in community settings. The findings of this study suggest that movement into community settings is not sufficient by itself to improve residents' behavioural functioning and that staff variables are an important factor in their adjustment.

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