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Depression, Anxiety, and Relevant Cognitions in Persons with Mental Retardation

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Abstract

We assessed depression, anxiety, and relevant cognitions in persons with mental retardation by administering modified versions of the Reynolds Child Depression Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire, and the Cognitions Checklist to 46 persons with borderline to moderate mental retardation. Consistent with research with other groups, self-reports of depression and anxiety were highly correlated (r = .74) in these individuals, and cognitions were strong predictors of negative affect. Subscales measuring cognitions related to depression and anxiety were also highly related, limiting the “cognitive-specificity” hypothesis. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses offered mixed support for cognitive-specificity. We discuss the implications of these findings for the cognitive and affective assessment of persons with intellectual limitations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas

    Elson M. Bihm & William J. Lammers

  2. Department of Psychology and Counseling, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR, 72035

    Elson M. Bihm

Authors
  1. Elizabeth Glenn
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  2. Elson M. Bihm
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  3. William J. Lammers
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Glenn, E., Bihm, E.M. & Lammers, W.J. Depression, Anxiety, and Relevant Cognitions in Persons with Mental Retardation. J Autism Dev Disord 33, 69–76 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022282521625

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022282521625

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