Behavior in a working environment of adolescents with difficulties in mental development

Abstract

The research was conducted with the aim to determine the relation among behavior in a working environment, the level of intellectual abilities, and success in practical training in adolescents with difficulties in mental development. The sample included 50 adolescents with difficulties in mental development, of both genders, 16-21 years of age (AM=18.48; SD=1.59), who attended Secondary vocational school in Belgrade. There were 16 (32%) participants with moderate intellectual disability (ID), 17 (34%) with mild ID, and 17 (34%) with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF). Data on participants' age, intellectual abilities, class and grade in practical training were taken from school records. Behavior in a working environment and vocational interests were assessed by Vocational Evaluation Questionnaire, applied in a form of interviews with occupational therapists. By applying the analysis of covariance and controlling the influence of the level of intellectual abilities, it was determined that the total score of Vocational Evaluation Questionnaire significantly influenced the grade in practical training (p≤0.000), due to the domains of social skills (p=0.012), communication (p=0.001) and working skills (p≤0.000). The results of Vocational Evaluation Questionnaire explained about 47% (η2part=0.471) of variance, while the level of intellectual functioning explained slightly under 10% (η2part=0.097). The obtained results indicate the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the vocational training process of young people with difficulties in mental development, for the purpose of profiling their working abilities more clearly.

Keywords

• difficulties in mental development
• working skills
• vocational interests