1. RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2015
www.PosterPresentations.com
The purpose of this study is to describe how a 5-week shared-site
intergenerational program increases well-being in older adults. The
study is a mixed-method design that includes descriptive statistics. The
Intergenerational Observation Scale (IOS) was used to examine that
physical and social environment in the intergenerational setting and
during activities.
Abstract
Background & Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Conclusion
A series of Chi-Square tests were used to determine if there was
significance between the observed behavior of interaction in adults
with an observed positive affect. Cross-tabulations were also
generated for each participant in order to compare the percentage of
times that interactive behavior was recorded followed by an
observed positive affect as well as not observing a positive affect.
While significance was not commonly found in the Chi-Square test and
the percentage of interaction paired with positive does not outweigh
the percentage of interaction not paired with positive affect, these
outcomes still show us that intergenerational programming fosters
positive experiences in adults with cognitive deficits. According to Jarrott,
2014, neutral affect consistently predominates individuals’ affect.
Therefore, observed interaction in adults during IG time that is paired with
a positive affect, is a considered to be a positive outcome as a positive
affect is not the “norm.”
Staff surveys reported unanimous observations of positive outcomes
due to the IG program. Each week, the surveys reported all positive
behaviors exhibited and no negative behaviors. During the last week of
the program, two adults demonstrated a reminiscing behavior in addition
to the consistent behaviors reported each week, implying that the adults
became more comfortable over the course of the program an more alert
in order to reminisce.
Results from this study suggest that intergenerational activities can
promote interactive behaviors and positive affect in adults, ultimately
increasing wellbeing. Implications for this research suggest that
intergenerational programming could be used in a group therapy
setting with children and adults that have disabilities as well as in a
controlled environment for individuals experiencing mental health
issues (i.e. depression, mild cognitive disorder, etc.). Occupational
therapy practitioners could potentially use intergenerational activities to
simulate IADLs such as child rearing, communication management,
caring of other, meal preparation and cleanup, and/or safety and
emergency maintenance. Intergenerational activities can also be a
source of increased motivation, positive affect, and engagement in adult
clients.
Further lines of research could focus on:
• adult occupational performance before, during, and after
intergenerational programming
• Positive outlook on aging for children
• Occupational therapy in a intergenerational group setting
Acknowledgements
•Generations Crossing- Harrisonburg, VA
•Dr. Shannon Jarrott-Developer of Intergenerational Observation
Scale
According to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation (2008), 45–50
percent of adults older than age 65 have experienced depression.
Social engagement promotes well-being, in both the elderly and
pediatric populations. Intergenerational programming is designed
to link members of younger and older generations for mutual
benefit (Newman and Smith, 1999). Current research states that as
social roles are lost later in life, the opportunity to engage in pro-social,
contributory activities are a beneficial way to maintain life satisfaction
and psychological well-being (Morrow-Howell, 2010).
Intergenerational programming provides opportunities for adults
to interact with children, their peers, and materials in a hands-on
manner. There is a gap in the current literature that demonstrates the
need for an intergenerational program that focuses on promoting well-
being while increasing social interactions had by older adults. The
purpose of this study is to describe how a 5-week shared-site
intergenerational program increases well-being in older adults.
Research Questions:
Can a shared-site intergenerational program increase emotional well-
being in elders participating in respite care?
Can a shared-site intergenerational program increase interactions
between preschool-aged children and elders in respite care?
Can a shared-site intergenerational program facilitate social
engagement in elders and preschool-aged children (from elders
perspective)?
James Madison University
Taylor Henshaw, MOTS, Alexis Cunningham, MOTS, & Twylla Kirchen, PhD, OTR/L
Benefits of an Intergenerational Program on the Health and Wellbeing of Older Adults
in a Day Treatment Program
This study is a mixed-method design that includes both descriptive
statistics and a qualitative, phenomenological approach. The participants
in the study were asked to participate in a 5-week intergenerational
program at a shared-site location (Generations Crossing) in
Harrisonburg, Virginia. Each week, five participants met and were
encouraged to engage in meaningful activities such as gardening,
exercise, crafting, etc. The Intergenerational Observation Scale (IOS)
was used during activities to examine the physical and social
environment in the intergenerational setting. Data collected from the
Intergenerational Observation Scale was used to determine how well
intergenerational programming supported social interaction between the
two generations and positive affect in the adult population. It was our
hypothesis that upon completion of this five-week intergenerational
program, qualitative and quantitative data analysis would depict that the
intergenerational program positively benefitted the older adults.
Surveys were given to the adult staff after each session to record their
assigned participant’s affect as well as any changes in behavior or
attitude noticed throughout the session. At the completion of the
program, the staff was given a final survey that focused on their
assigned participant’s overall change in affect, alertness, and
participation in activities over the previous five weeks.
Person Chi-Square
1
Sign 1 Chi-Square
2
Sig 2
P1 5.959 .015 .037 .847
P2 2.166 .141 .070 .792
P3 1.530 .216 18.988 .000
P4 5.886 .015 .154 .694
P5 1.244 .265 2.015 .156