Factors predictive of midlife occupational attainment and psychological functioning in adults with mild intellectual deficits.
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.
Seltzer
Marsha Mailick
MM
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA. mseltzer@waisman.wisc.edu
Floyd
Frank J
FJ
Greenberg
Jan S
JS
Hong
Jinkuk
J
Taylor
Julie Lounds
JL
Doescher
Heather
H
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