Traditional pathology models do not provide a satisfactory framework for professional practice with families of people with mental retardation. Families and Mental Retardation is written from the perspective of a competence paradigm for professional practice, which offers a constructive alternative to the more prevalent pathology models of the past. The goal of professional practice is to empower families in coping with the catastrophic stressor of mental retardation. Such an approach recognizes the strengths and resources of families, which have often been minimized in the past, and...

This work is the most comprehensive volume to focus on new directions in professional practice with families of people with mental illness. It offers a multidisciplinary systems-oriented examination of theory, research, and practice in the area. Unique features include a consideration of life-span and family system and subsystem perspectives, as well as the inclusion of powerful personal accounts of family members. It is written from the perspective of a competence paradigm for clinical practice, which offers a constructive alternative to the more prevalent pathology models of the past....

This volume offers a comprehensive examination of current theory, research, and practice concerning people with serious mental illness and their families. There are presently many exciting developments under way, as professional practice is reformulated to emphasize the contributions of psychologists to the treatment of mental illness and the satisfactions that can accompany clinical work with the population. The current era is a transitional one in many respects, with significant changes in mental health policies and priorities, and in clinical training and practice. This work charts...