DEATH AND MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS

Abstract

Special images associated with the concept ofdeath are applied to people who are mentally retarded. The images reflect, and are reflected in, social attitudes which often lead to alienating expertences for retarded persons. These experiences and the special images and social attitudes which are their antecedents are discussed. Brief attention is given to the reversal of the normal loss-grief sequence associated with death as it relates to mentally handicapped persons. The material for this exploratory study was gathered through: 1) participant observation, 2) interview and guided conversation, and 3) literature review.