Organ transplantation, organ donation and mental retardation.

We reviewed the literature on accessibility and outcomes of organ transplantation in individuals with mental retardation (MR) and on the prevalence of organ donation in this population. Six centers have published outcome data on renal transplantation in 34 individuals with MR. The one- and three-yr patient survival rates were 100% and 90%, respectively.

Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation at 30: Unresolved scientific issues.

The undermining effect of extrinsic reward on intrinsic motivation remains unproven. The key unresolved issues are construct invalidity (all four definitions are unproved and two are illogical); measurement unreliability (the free-choice measure requires unreliable, subjective judgments to infer intrinsic motivation); inadequate experimental controls (negative affect and novelty, not cognitive evaluation, may explain "undermining" effects); and biased metareviews (studies with possible floor effects excluded, but those with possible ceiling effects included). Perhaps the greatest error with the undermining theory, however, is that it does not adequately recognize the multifaceted nature of intrinsic motivation (Reiss, 2004a).

A comprehensive assessment of human strivings: test-retest reliability and validity of the Reiss Profile.

Sensitivity theory provides an analysis of personality based on what people say motivates their behavior. After Reiss and Havercamp (1998) confirmed a 15-factor solution to self-reported human strivings, the Reiss Profile of Fundamental Goals and Motivation Sensitivities (Reiss & Havercamp, 1998) psychometric instrument was standardized. In 3 studies, the Reiss Profile was shown to possess good test-retest and internal reliability and concurrent and criterion validity.

Compatibility of housemates with mental retardation.

We evaluated the relevance of Reiss's (2000) empirically derived system of basic motives and values for understanding the incompatibility of housemates in publicly funded residential programs for people with mental retardation. The compatible group consisted of 57 dyads who had lived without significant conflict in the same residential unit; the incompatible group consisted of 36 dyads who were separated by caregivers because of frequent conflict and complaint. As predicted, dissimilarity of basic motives and values was associated with housemate incompatibility.