To conduct comprehensive treatment effectiveness studies, evaluators must frequently track, locate and interview service recipients long after program participation has ended. For some populations, this is an arduous task. But, despite wide variations in retention rates, the published literature from follow-up studies rarely provides information on their tracking, locating, or interviewing techniques. The present report concerns a 12-month follow-up study of individuals who were homeless and mentally ill, which achieved a remarkably high retention rate—over 70%. Quantitative information is presented on client characteristics related to locatability and agreement to be interviewed, as well as qualitative information on successful techniques, from a focus group session with research interviewers.Wealth of research studies has been carried out in the last 10 years to describe the everincreasing problem of homelessness in this country. Investigators agree that what are now needed are demonstrations of innovative services to individuals who are homeless, especially those with alcohol, drug, and mental health (ADM) problems, with rigorous research components (Dennis et al. 1991). Desirable outcomes of interventions should include stabilization of functioning, acquisition of permanent housing, and linkage to ongoing, community-based services to maintain positive gains.
Presented descriptive data on a group of homeless, mentally ill individuals (N = 108) served by a two-site demonstration project, funded by NIMH. Comparing results with those from other studies of this population produced some differences and some similarities. Cluster analysis techniques were applied to the data, producing a 4-group solution. Data validating the cluster solution are presented. It is suggested that the cluster results provide a more meaningful and useful method of understanding the descriptive data. Results suggest that while the population of individuals served as homeless and mentally ill is quite heterogeneous, many have well-developed functioning skills--only one cluster, making up 35.2% of the sample, fits the stereotype of the aggressive, psychotic individual with skill deficits in many areas. Further discussion is presented concerning the implications of the cluster analysis results for demonstrating contextual effects and thus better interpreting research results from other studies and assisting in future services planning.
Studies of specific social skill deficits in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have begun to appear [1,2], but there are few empirical studies of children with TBI. This study examined social problem-solving skills in boys and girls with TBI and a matched group of non-injured peers, ages 7-13. The TBI group generated fewer total solutions on a social problem-solving measure, largely reflecting situation-specific differences in generated solutions. The TBI group also generated fewer positive assertive, and more indirect responses to peer group entry situations than the comparison group. Implications are discussed for a model of social information processing in paediatric brain injury.
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