- Title
- The effects of playing Nintendo Wii on depression, sense of belonging, social support, and mood among Australian aged care residents : A pilot study
- Creator
- Chesler, Jessica
- Date
- 2015
- Type
- Text; Thesis; Masters
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/97193
- Identifier
- vital:10161
- Abstract
- Adults aged 65 years or older constitute the fastest growing age group worldwide, leading to greater numbers of people requiring care in residential facilities. Adults in these facilities have higher levels of depression, lower levels of social support, and lower levels of sense of belonging compared with older adults living in the community. Research has begun to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving the mental health of aged care residents. Within this population, cognitive and physical benefits of playing video games have been documented in the literature, as well as greater social interaction, and decreased loneliness. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of playing Wii bowling twice weekly, with up to 3 other residents, for 6 weeks. An Australian sample of 31 women and 8 men between the ages of 65 and 95 years (Mean age = 85.68, SD = 9.62) were randomised to either a treatment or control group based on their place of residence. The residents completed demographic information, The Veterans Affairs Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam, the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form, the Social Provisions Scale, and three visual analogue scales to measure sense of belonging and mood. These scales were completed pre-intervention (0 weeks), postintervention (6 weeks), and at 2-month follow up (14 weeks). Qualitative data on social interaction between group members was also collected at weeks 1, 3, and 6. Results did not support the use of the Wii to improve residents’ self-reported levels of depression, social support, sense of belonging, or mood. Social interaction increased over the 6 weeks, as measured by interaction analyses and also residents’ comments. Overall, findings indicate that Wii bowling may be a useful intervention as part of a comprehensive care program to increase social interaction within aged care. Pervasive environmental problems associated with aged care, as well as participant characteristics, may have reduced the effectiveness of the intervention program.; Master of Applied Science by Research (Psychology)
- Publisher
- Federation University Australia
- Rights
- Open Access
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- Nintendo Wii; Depression; Sense of belonging; Social support; Mood; Australia; Aged care residents
- Full Text
- Thesis Supervisor
- Professor Suzanne McLaren
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