title: Factors predictive of midlife occupational attainment and psychological functioning in adults with mild intellectual deficits.
abstract: The life course of individuals with mild intellectual deficits and the factors that account for heterogeneity in their midlife outcomes were examined. Past research has shown that such individuals are at risk for poor occupational attainment in adulthood and more compromised psychological functioning, including increased depression. Although predictors varied for men and women, in general greater midlife occupational attainment was predicted by continuation of education beyond high school, having role models for achievement, and social participation earlier in adulthood. Midlife psychological functioning was predicted by having role models of achievement, having discussed plans for the future with parents and teachers, and achievement of aspirations set in high school. Implications for contemporary models of transition planning are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA. mseltzer@waisman.wisc.edu
authors.forename: Marsha Mailick
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Seltzer
authors.forename: Frank J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Floyd
authors.forename: Jan S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Greenberg
authors.forename: Jinkuk
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Julie Lounds
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Doescher
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D001240:Aspirations, Psychological; D002322:Career Mobility; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007360:Intelligence; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012917:Social Adjustment