The effects of deinstitutionalisation on adaptive behaviour outcomes in people with learning disabilities were examined in this meta analysis of 23 studies. The authors compared the studies using standardised mean effect sizes across 5 demographic, 4 methodological, and 1 outcome variable.

The analysis found moderate habilitative gains in 75% of adaptive behaviour domains. Larger effect sizes significantly predicted by sample size and research design. The authors point out the significant difficulties associated with comparing studies which use very different procedures and take place in different contexts.

Meta-analysis of deinstitutionalisation adaptive behaviour outcomes: Research and clinical implications. Hamelin J et al, in Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability36, 1 61-72