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Assessing the effects of stimulation versus microswitch‐based programmes on indices of happiness of students with multiple disabilities
Author(s) -
Lancioni G. E.,
Singh N. N.,
O’Reilly M. F.,
Oliva D.,
Smaldone A.,
Tota A.,
Martielli G.,
Stasolla F.,
Pontiggia G.,
Groeneweg J.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of intellectual disability research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1365-2788
pISSN - 0964-2633
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00839.x
Subject(s) - happiness , psychology , multiple disabilities , stimulation , developmental psychology , special education , social psychology , mathematics education , neuroscience
Background Stimulation and microswitch‐based programmes are considered main strategies to promote indices of happiness in students with multiple disabilities. However, only limited attempts have been made to assess the relative effects of the two programmes. This study conducted such an assessment with seven students with multiple disabilities. Methods The first four phases of the study served to: (1) provide the students with a systematic exposure to each of the programmes; and (2) measure the programmes’ effects on indices of happiness by comparing them with baseline levels. The fifth phase served to compare the programmes with each other. Results The first four phases of the study showed that the microswitch‐based programme produced a significant increase in indices of happiness for all seven students, and the stimulation programme produced a significant increase for six students. During the fifth phase of the study (i.e. when the two programmes were alternated), the microswitch‐based programme promoted significantly higher indices of happiness than the stimulation programme for four of the seven students. Conclusions Microswitch‐based programmes might be deemed preferable to stimulation programmes because they can promote higher or comparable indices of happiness while promoting the acquisition of adaptive responses and self‐determination.