Effect of front-line staff turnover on the behavior of institutionalized mentally retarded adults.

The effect of front-line (direct-care) staff turnover on the behavior of institutionalized mentally retarded adults was investigated using two procedures. One measured the effect of turnover on residents' behavior across whole wards. Another measured the impact of turnover on the behavior of a group of residents who acted as their own controls. Contrary to our hypothesis, results suggested that staff turnover had little effect on residents' behavior. These results were discussed, along with suggestions for future research.