This study investigated the relationship between the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) and the Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS) in their assessment of adaptive behavior. Both scales, the VSMS and the ABS, were administered to a randomized sample of male and female residents of varying degrees of mental retardation. The ABS and the VSMS were administered by those hospital staff who were most familiar with the members in the sample. The scores from the ABS and the scores from the VSMS were then correlated. Additional correlations were carried by matching the sub-categories of the VSMS with the domains of the ABS.The results of this study indicate that there exists a significant relationship between the Adaptive Behavior Scale and the Vineland Social Maturity Scale. In the assessment of adaptive behavior one scale may be substituted for the other in those situations where an overall index of adaptive behavior is required.One of the major differences between the two scales is that the Adaptive Behavior Scale provides an extensive survey of personality and behavior disorders which identify areas that prevent progress in adaptive growth. As the assessment of maladaptive behavior is a major concern in the management of the mentally retarded, the Adaptive Behavior Scale has been found to be the preferred scale in this investigation.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Texas Woman's University, 2008. / Adviser: Karen Petty. Includes bibliographical references.