원예프로그램이 정신지체인의 적응기술에 미치는 효과에 관한 연구

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of adaptive skills by evaluating ‘Horticultural Program’ mentally retarded adults attended in a vocation rehabilitation organization. The study occurred from February and May 2006 on a weekly basis. To quantify the effects of the program on adaptive skills, experiment and control groups were evaluated in adaptive behavior using the statistical analyses: Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon test. Some effects that were not tested with statistical analyses were separately recorded.As compared to control groups, experiment groups had a higher value in Independent Function, Economic Activity, Numbers and Time, Domestic Activity, Prevocational/Vocational Activity, Self-direction, Responsibility, and Socialization. There were no significant differences between experiment groups and controls in Physical Development and Language Development. According to case studies, groups attended ‘Horticultural Program’ showed higher self-esteem and improved skills to express themselves in a proactive way. The experiment and case studies provided evidence that ‘Horticultural Program’ was valuable in improving the adaptive skills of mentally retarded adults. This program is also worthy of clinical applicatio.