title: Cognitive predictors of life skill intervention outcomes for adults with mental illness at risk for homelessness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated the effectiveness of a life skills intervention for people with mental illness who have been homeless.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this longitudinal outcomes study, we used Situated Learning Theory (Lave & Wenger, 1991) to provide group and individual sessions to 38 participants from two housing programs after completing baseline Allen Cognitive Level Screen-2000 (ACLS-2000; Allen Conferences, 2000) and Practical Skills Tests (PSTs). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PST scores of participants with higher ACLS-2000 scores significantly increased over time (food management, p = .021; money management, p = .039; safe community participation, p = .02). Participants with lower ACLS-2000 scores demonstrated an even greater change over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most participants, including those with lower ACLS-2000 scores, improved and retained life skills knowledge over time, challenging the premise that people with mental illness should be excluded from mixed-level group interventions.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapy Program, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA. helfrich@bu.edu
authors.forename: Christine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Helfrich
authors.forename: Dara V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Peggy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sabol
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003071:Cognition; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D004522:Educational Status; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008019:Life Style; D016014:Linear Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011638:Public Housing; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome