The first of a six-volume series on the community adjustment of deinstitutionalized mentally retarded persons examines 28 research studies on community adjustment and proposes a framework for reviewing criterion measures and predictors of adjustment. Summary descriptions of major characteristics of the studies are provided, and matrices listing criterion measures and predictors of community adjustment are included. Criterion measures are reviewed for adjustment in five areas: vocational (including employment status, job stability and job satisfaction); social (including conformity to law and social mores); marital; economic (including self support and ownership); and residential (including type of living situation and interpersonal relationships in home settings). Predictions of adjustment are seen to include subject variables (abilities and demographic factors), and such institutional experience variables as family involvement and release process. Among conclusions discussed are that research cites adequate community adjustment by a large number of mentally retarded persons, and that the stability of the adjustment appears to increase with time. (CL)