TITLE Examining the Beliefs of Involved Adults Concerning the Moral and Religious Development of Individuals with Mental Retardation.

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that examined the beliefs concerning the moral and religious development of individuals with mental retardation. Forty-four individuals who met the criteria of professionals who provide direct care to, or had administrative responsibility for, individuals with mental retardation participated in the study. Participants completed a Q sort with a concourse of 45 items reflecting potential opinions. Four dissimilar factors emerged. The most profound identifier of factor A, "Hopeful Humanist, " is the way in which the 16 members of this group perceived individuals with mental retardation as people first and saw in each individual a person who can exhibit selfless love, which to the Hopeful Humanist is the highest characteristic of moral development. The seven members of factor B, "Devout Followers, " see themselves as directed by God and willing followers of God. As "Special Caregivers, " the six members of factor C make it clear that there is