Assessing indices of happiness and unhappiness in individuals with developmental disabilities: A review

The behavioral deficits of individuals with profound multiple disabilities (PMD) make it difficult to assess their satisfaction and quality of life. To address this problem, researchers have recently evaluated affective behavior (i.e., indices of happiness and unhappiness) to document the effects of therapeutic interventions and to assist with clinically relevant decisions. We review the recent literature on indices of happiness and unhappiness and discuss its major themes. In addition, potential concerns with this technology are discussed and clinical recommendations are provided. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.