An overview of research on increasing indices of happiness of people with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

Abstract

Data tended to be positive with increases in the participants' indices of happiness, but some failures also occurred. The outcomes were discussed in relation to (a) methodological issues, such as designs of the studies, length of the intervention, and number of participants, and (b) personal and practical implications of the procedures. Some suggestions for future research (particularly focused on extending evidence and overcoming present methodological weakness) were also examined.

Driving to Learn in a Powered Wheelchair: The Process of Learning Joystick Use in People With Profound Cognitive Disabilities

“…As Yerxa (1998) and Ayres (1987) argued, the occupational therapy field has a need for increased knowledge of the development of adaptive skills, rules, and habits that can facilitate capability and of ways to create individually adjusted challenges to stimulate adaptive responses. The identified process of learning joystick use and accompanying facilitating strategies may help professionals enable people with PCD to become doers, to enhance their capability to interact, and to gain empowerment and wellbeing (Lancioni, Singh, O'Reilly, Oliva, & Basili, 2005;Tengland, 2007;Wilcock, 1998). The findings can also be useful for occupational therapists attempting to use powered mobility intervention with people who have lesser degrees of cognitive disability.…”

Snoezelen: A controlled multi-sensory stimulation therapy for children recovering from severe brain injury

“…Once inside this environment, there are opportunities for stimulation of all senses. Currently, Snoezelen has been most commonly utilized for individuals with severe sensory impairments, autism, severe developmental and/or learning disabilities, severe and profound mental retardation, dementia, chronic pain and burns [25][26][27][28]. In 1992 in the US, 'Snoezelen' became a registered trademark of FLAGHOUSE, Inc.…”

Persons with Multiple Disabilities Exercise Adaptive Head and Hand-Eye Responses Using Technology-Aided Programs: Two Single-Case Studies

“…Indeed, their consistent responding displayed through the sessions might be taken as a clear sign that they enjoyed those sessions and were happy to be involved in them (Catania 2007;Friedman et al 2009;Jumisko et al 2009;Makharadze et al 2010;Sunderland et al 2009). Although no specific assessment of the participants' mood was carried out in the present case studies and in the previous ones (Lancioni et al 2012), suggestions were made that mood improved during the sessions with the occurrence of occasional smiles (Dillon and Carr 2007;Green and Reid 1999;Lancioni et al 2005).…”