| Abstract: | Adult inpatient populations, trained to develop a repertoire of work-related skills such as tracking and following directions, utilizing emotional controls, relating to the world in a realistic manner, as well as acceptance of supervision, grooming, punctuality, and attendance. These skills eased their transition to the community and assisted in a more positive existence once within that community as compared to their untrained cohort. Additionally, the process of vocational training has been demonstrated to have therapeutic benefits. This project used many of the same adult training principles but applied them to an adolescent inpatient population. A vocational training project using specific behavioral interventions resulted in comparable improvement for adolescent subjects otherwise evidenced in adult patients' work-related skills and abilities. This training project was conducted yearly, 32 h per week for 10 weeks for 4 years. The project combined actual work experience, classroom time and behavioral interventions and rewards. A 16 × 10 analysis of variance was computed to assess improvement in work-related skills and abilities. The analysis yielded and F = 2.57, p < 0.01, suggesting the efficacy of the behavioral interventions when applied to adolescent inpatient populations. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
