This book presents the most comprehensive review of research regarding personality and motivational differences in persons with mental retardation. From the personal commentary of Edward Zigler, H. Carl Haywood, and Harvey N. Switzky, the book summarizes the classical work of the Yale and Peabody-Vanderbilt School over the last 40 years. A sampling of new directions in research is provided, including work on self-determination theory and practice; decision making; direct and indirect effects of genetic mental retardation syndromes on personality; personality and psychopathology in genetic mental retardation syndromes; a new theory of information processing linking cognition, motivation, and performance; and a sensitivity theory of motivation. This definitive work presents older and evolving newer models and applications to the field in order to demonstrate the power of motivational variables in understanding the behavior of persons with mental retardation. The purpose is to enhance the quality of life in persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.

Volume 31 of the International Review of Research in Mental Retardation is a thematic exploration of personality and motivation in persons with mental retardation. Looking at a broad spectrum of intellectual disabilities, Mental Retardation, Personality, and Motivational Systems explores motivation as a moderator for performance and individualized effort. Coverage includes discussions of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in both mentally retarded and non-retarded children, self-determination, interpersonal decision making in adolescents and adults with mental retardation, interpersonal relationships, and the connection between etiological-specific differences and motivation to form "behavioral phenotypes." A final chapter presents a transactional perspective on human ability, relying on constructs of intelligence, cognitive processes, and motivation, with implications for developmental interventions in the lives of persons with mental retardation.
*Explores personality and motivation in persons with mental retardation
*Discusses intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in both mentally retarded and non-retarded children
*A useful reference for researchers and scholars in developmental and cognitive psychology, as well as neuropsychology

Motivation is the energizing force that drives much of our attention, conscious effort, and achievement in life. Yet this important driving force may be absent, low, or problematic in persons with mental retardation. This special thematic volume in the "International Review of Research in Mental Retardation" focuses on motivation within this special population. The book explores several theoretical models of motivation, as well as discussing issues of goal orientation, self-regulated academic learning, the setting and monitoring of realistic goals, and social competence for people with mental retardation. Additional chapters discuss the measurement of subjective well-being and quality of life in this population, and strategies for empowering students with developmental difficulties as well as instructional practices and contexts that can enhance motivation, learning, and achievement.