The Influence of Residential Setting on Vocational Interests

The influence of type of residence, institution or community, on the direction and/or realism of vocational interest was investigated using 60 sheltered workshop-employed, mentally retarded young adults. The Picture Interest Inventory was used as the measure of vocational interest. Statistical analysis of cell means indicated that the community-based group scored significantly higher (p < .05) on both the mechanical and scientific interest scales. Further, the community-based group scored consistently lower (p < .10) than the institutionalized group on the time perspective scale, which is an indication of more realistic vocational interests for mentally retarded persons. The results of this study seem to suggest that the influence of institutional settings on the development of vocational interest for the mentally retarded is in a narrowed and unrealistic direction. (Author)