Nondisabled Adults Perceptions of Relationships in the Early Stages of Arranged Partnerships with Peers with Mental-Retardation

Authors

Frederick P. Green, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Stuart J. Schleien, University of Minnesota
Jennifer Mactavish, University of Manitoba
Susan Benepe, University of Minnesota

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-1995

Department

Human Performance and Recreation

Abstract

Discussions on friendship between adults with mental retardation and their nondisabled peers often address the connections between satisfying relationships and quality of life for those who are mentally retarded. However, strategies for facilitating satisfying and sustaining heterogeneous relationships will depend on a greater understanding of these relationships as they are perceived by the peers without disabilities. Results of this study indicated that, in the early stages of joint participation in community recreation activities, nondisabled adults can be cautious, yet optimistic about developing ''friendships'' with peers with mental retardation. Although positive relationships do develop, they are often perceived to be, by comparison to existing relationships, friendship-like relationships based partly on obligation and/or altruism.

Publication Title

Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

Volume

30

Issue

2

First Page

91

Last Page

108

Recommended Citation

Green, F. P., Schleien, S. J., Mactavish, J., Benepe, S. (1995). Nondisabled Adults Perceptions of Relationships in the Early Stages of Arranged Partnerships with Peers with Mental-Retardation. Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 30(2), 91-108.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/5854