The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of one-on-one therapeutic recreation intervention on independence in leisure behavior of elderly, mentally ill residents residing in a nursing home. The researchers employed an experimental design and used the Comprehensive Leisure Rating Scale (CLEIRS) to measure independence in leisure behavior. Therapeutic recreation specialists feel that one-on-one therapeutic recreation intervention is the most effective method of improving independence in leisure behavior of elderly, mentally ill residents but few studies exist to support the feeling. Results indicated no difference in independence in leisure behavior between the experimental group and the control group. Group activities appear to be just as effective as one-on-one therapeutic recreation intervention in increasing the degree of independence in leisure behavior of elderly, mentally ill residents. (Author)