Training mentally retarded adults in independent living skills

Seventeen mildly retarded group home residents were trained in independent living skills and placed in independent living situations. Results showed that 14 residents were able to move successfully to independence. Factors found to be associated with successful independent living included adequate psychological skills, behavioral living skills, and accessibility of social support systems. Factors associated with unsuccessful attempts involved anxiety-induced behavioral regressions, the occurrence of overwhelmingly natural consequences of behavior, and social isolation.