Increasing electricity conservation in a high-functioning mentally disabled sample.

摘要

Behavioral interventions were used to attempt to lower electricity consumption in a sample of persons who are diagnosed as having a mental disability. The effectiveness of prompting, modeling, and written feedback were investigated. Participants were 43 chronically mentally disabled adults who live in a supported living apartment community. Electricity meter readings in kilowatts per hour (kWh) were recorded to measure consumption. With specified .05 significance level, the 4 x 2 split-plot ANOVA showed a significant interaction effect. Examination of the interaction revealed that prompting was the only effective intervention. These findings can help the already poverty stricken mentally disabled population and agencies providing them with housing to save money on their living expenses.