Effective decision-making/problem-solving training with mothers who have mental retardation

Abstract

Nine mothers with mental retardation received group training in decision-making using vignettes describing child-raising situations. A multiple baseline procedure was used to assess the effectiveness of training in how to identify and apply decision-making steps to trained and untrained vignettes. Significant changes in step identification and use were observed and maintained for a month for both types of vignettes. Although training included nothing to improve the appropriateness of decisions, there was significant improvement for the high-risk situations used in training. Results suggest that parents with mental retardation are able to learn and apply basic steps of decision-making.