Mark R. Dixon, Becky L. Nastally, & Amber Waterman (2010).
The effect of gambling activities on happiness levels of nursing home residents.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
43, 531-535.
The current study evaluated the effect of participating in simulated
gambling activities on happiness levels of 3 nursing home residents.
A 4-component analysis was used to measure objective responses
associated with happiness during baseline, varying durations of engagement
in simulated gambling activities, and 2 follow-up periods. Results indicated
that all residents exhibited a higher percentage of happiness levels while
engaged in simulated gambling activities compared with baseline. Follow-up
assessment took place 10 min and 30 min following the intervention; no
lasting effects were observed.
Key words: elderly, engagement, gambling, happiness