ABSTRACT
The community adjustment of persons with mental retardation is largely dependent on their competence in interpersonal affairs. Research studies from the 1930s demonstrated that persons with mild mental retardation were roughly equivalent to their non-disabled peers on a variety of indices. Great discrepancies, however, were reported on their abilities to manage social and interpersonal relations. Likewise, Edgerton’s study of the post-institutional adjustment of a group of adults with mild and borderline mental retardation indicated that their ability to maintain positive relationships with others was highly correlated with overall success in the community. Social validation is a process where researchers identify skills and behaviours that are socially relevant and important for a given client. Information on teaching skills for social competence was presented. The content areas of employment and independent living were selected for emphasis because of the close relationship between these skills and quality of life.
