Measuring and Increasing the Happiness of People With Profound Mental Retardation and Physical Handicaps

Abstract

Applied research in mental retardation has focused on skill training and education to the relative neglect of measuring and increasing happiness in the lives of people with mental retardation. Here we report the results of four preliminary studies that were conducted to develop and demonstrate methodologies for measuring happiness in people with profound mental retardation and other severe handicaps. These results suggest that: (1) facial expressions can provide a valid measure of happiness, and can be measured reliably by relatively untrained observers; (2) the rate of spontaneous smiling is highly variable across individuals; (3) some individuals’ happiness can be increased dramatically by very simple social interactions; and (4) clients’ differential emotional reactions to various caregivers may be useful in tracking the development of social relationships. Suggestions for future research include systematic replication of these preliminary findings with a larger number and variety of subjects, and demonstration of how these measures can be applied to quality assurance systems.

The assessment of mood in adults who have severe or profound mental retardation

“…In this respect, it has been suggested that measuring happiness represents an untapped source of valuable information regarding clients' satisfaction with services (Favell et al, 1996;Green & Reid, 1996). Both Favell et al (1996) and Green & Reid (1996) contend that applied behavior analysis could respond to the "unmet challenge" of promoting quality of life for people with severe mental retardation.…”

“…Both Favell et al (1996) and Green & Reid (1996) contend that applied behavior analysis could respond to the "unmet challenge" of promoting quality of life for people with severe mental retardation. Green & Reid (1996) propose that it should be possible to operationally define behaviors that people generally agree to be indicative of happiness and then observe, quantify and examine the effect of interventions designed to increase happiness, thus providing a way of enhancing quality of life.…”

“…Particular attention will be paid to studies by Green & Reid (1996), Green, Gardner & Reid (1997) and Green & Reid (1999). Studies by Favell et al (1996), Green & Reid (1996), Green et al (1997) and Ivancic, Barrett, Simonow & Kimberly (1997) have all shown that it is possible to operationalise and reliably observe behavioral indicators of affect. Indices of happiness (e.g.…”

“…Green & Reid, 1996;Reid et al, 1997;Green & Reid, 1999) are particularly well-designed, but would benefit from additional replication studies in other settings, given the small number of participants and the fact that the research has been carried out in only one environment, the classroom. Moreover, it has been suggested that there is potential for extending this area of research beyond 'consumer' satisfaction (Favell et al, 1996).…”

“…Cathcart, 1995). Less interest has been paid to mood and emotions amongst people with severe and profound mental retardation (Favell, Realon & Sutton, 1996). Instead, applied psychological research with this group has focused on other areas.…”