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REDUCING INDICES OF UNHAPPINESS AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH PROFOUND MULTIPLE DISABILITIES DURING THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE ROUTINES
Author(s) -
Green Carolyn W.,
Reid Dennis H.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of applied behavior analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1938-3703
pISSN - 0021-8855
DOI - 10.1901/jaba.1999.32-137
Subject(s) - happiness , psychology , clinical psychology , session (web analytics) , psychotherapist , computer science , world wide web
A program was developed to reduce indices of unhappiness that accompanied therapeutic exercise routines among people with profound multiple disabilities. Indices of unhappiness were recorded, using an observation system that had been validated through previous research involving happiness‐related variables, while support personnel conducted exercises with 3 participants. A multicomponent program was then implemented that involved presenting highly preferred stimuli before, during, and after each exercise session. Results indicated that the program was accompanied by reduced indices of unhappiness for each participant relative to the traditional method of conducting the exercises, although changes in the preferred stimuli used with 1 participant were required before consistent reductions occurred. Results are discussed regarding the importance of reducing unhappiness indices as a means of enhancing aspects of the daily quality of life for people with profound multiple disabilities. Areas for future research are also discussed, focusing on expanding the unhappiness‐reduction procedures to other routine events that may occasion indices of unhappiness.