This primarily qualitative research study examined the views of first and second year nursing students regarding leisure and its relationship to health. Thirty-two nursing students reflected on their own lived experiences of leisure by completing an on-line survey. Three of the students added depth to the initial survey results by completing the Leisure Attitude Measure (LAM) and participating in a focus group. This study examined how the nursing students understood the concept of leisure and the connection between leisure and health. As well, it explored the implications that this understanding has on Therapeutic Recreation (TR) professionals as they conduct advocacy and education sessions on the field of TR with other members of the interdisciplinary health care team.<p> The students responses were analyzed using an inductive technique with themes emerging from the data. As a group, the students responses touched on many of the components of leisure and connections to health outlined in the literature. However, individual responses were often missing key aspects related to the subjectivity of leisure, the holistic nature of leisure and the potential of leisure and TR in contributing to the treatment of patients. The responses suggest a number of implications for TR professionals as they prepare and deliver educational and advocacy sessions for other staff. From a broader sense, the data raise some areas worth considering in terms of the potential for leisure education within educational and societal contexts.

This primarily qualitative research study examined the views of first and second year nursing students regarding leisure and its relationship to health. Thirty-two nursing students reflected on their own lived experiences of leisure by completing an on-line survey. Three of the students added depth to the initial survey results by completing the Leisure Attitude Measure (LAM) and participating in a focus group. This study examined how the nursing students understood the concept of leisure and the connection between leisure and health. As well, it explored the implications that this understanding has on Therapeutic Recreation (TR) professionals as they conduct advocacy and education sessions on the field of TR with other members of the interdisciplinary health care team.<p> The students responses were analyzed using an inductive technique with themes emerging from the data. As a group, the students responses touched on many of the components of leisure and connections to health outlined in the literature. However, individual responses were often missing key aspects related to the subjectivity of leisure, the holistic nature of leisure and the potential of leisure and TR in contributing to the treatment of patients. The responses suggest a number of implications for TR professionals as they prepare and deliver educational and advocacy sessions for other staff. From a broader sense, the data raise some areas worth considering in terms of the potential for leisure education within educational and societal contexts.

Current therapeutic recreation research does not articulate how Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) complete the assessment process with older adults. A review of published research demonstrates various uses of theories, methodologies, unclear descriptions of populations of studies, and unknown competencies of researchers. The purpose of this study was to explore what current assessment practice looks like for CTRS’s that work with an older adult population. The study was guided by the principle of participatory action research and was completed with four participants using a semi-structured focus group. The participants’ experiences revealed complexities in practice that were interwoven with each other. Time, challenges in practice, building capacity with clients and other TR practitioners along with evidence based practice were key issues. Recommendations as a result of this study include further development of diagnostic protocols and practice-based evidence to inform clinical decision making.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The nature of naval member’s job demands is that they experience high levels of stress. Stress is introduced in military training to familiarize sailors with real life stressors. This study is located in piloting and validity theory. It focuses explicitly on validating an existing tool, the Therapeutic Recreation Stress Leisure Appraisal Tool, to measure stress in the South African Navy. This study aimed to pilot and evaluate the validity and reliability of the developed tool in an African context in the South African Navy. A multi-stage procedure of instrument development using the instrument development model will be used, consisting of the following steps: 1) preliminary phase, 2) questionnaire development, 3) pilot testing, and 4) evaluation. The scope of this study, is only focused on stages three and four. The current study followed an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. In this study, the qualitative phase was done first, followed by the quantitative phase. The mixed-method design is used to build upon the same research questions. PHASE 1, the pilot-testing phase (qualitative, n=50), explored if the developed appraisal tool is interpreted correctly and contains the necessary applicable questions. This population and sample were purposefully selected from the navy. Data were collected in focus groups taking place at a naval base. Five focus groups of ten members each were completed using interview schedules. Recorded data was transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis with data coding to extract themes. This study is an extension of from a masters study linked to the current study, which contributed towards the finalisation of the questionnaire. Iterative exploratory factor analyses were used at the item and scale levels to select and reassign the items and scales. PHASE 2, the evaluation phase (quantitative, n=1000), determined the validity and reliability of the refined, developed appraisal tool. The population (N=7000) and sample (n=1000) consisted of senior and junior ranks from the officer core, conveniently selected from a naval base. PHASE 1 informed PHASE 2, the evaluation phase.

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Cancer rates are on the rise and there is also an increase in the number of cancer survivors. This results in an increase of caregivers for those survivors. Many caregivers experience negative impacts of caregiving, including decreased mental health. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of how the fulfillment of leisure needs impacts caregivers’ mental health. Using data from The Cancer Support Person’s Unmet Needs Survey (Campbell et al., 2009), secondary data analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between unmet leisure needs and mental health, as well as examining the mediation of social and physical aspects of leisure. The sample consisted of 718 support persons (self-selected by the survivors, who were asked to give their caregivers the survey) from the Cancer Registry run by CancerCare Manitoba. Results revealed that fulfilling leisure needs decreased level of caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress. Fulfilling social needs showed a decrease in caregiver depression, and having higher levels of physical functioning had a positive impact on caregiver’s level of depression, anxiety, and stress. This study provided practical applications for practitioners and caregivers on how to improve caregiver mental health through the fulfillment of leisure needs.

The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge and skills required for competent therapeutic recreation practice in Canada. Research participants were 244 members of therapeutic recreation professional associations in Canada. Results from this study indicated that significant differences in competency areas exist between certified and non-certified therapeutic recreation practitioners, between practitioners with a degree and diploma, between practitioners in varying demographic regions in Canada and between practitioners with varying years practicing in the profession of Therapeutic Recreation. Implications for therapeutic recreation practice and future research are presented for discussion.

Cancer rates are on the rise and there is also an increase in the number of cancer survivors. This results in an increase of caregivers for those survivors. Many caregivers experience negative impacts of caregiving, including decreased mental health. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of how the fulfillment of leisure needs impacts caregivers’ mental health. Using data from The Cancer Support Person’s Unmet Needs Survey (Campbell et al., 2009), secondary data analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between unmet leisure needs and mental health, as well as examining the mediation of social and physical aspects of leisure. The sample consisted of 718 support persons (self-selected by the survivors, who were asked to give their caregivers the survey) from the Cancer Registry run by CancerCare Manitoba. Results revealed that fulfilling leisure needs decreased level of caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress. Fulfilling social needs showed a decrease in caregiver depression, and having higher levels of physical functioning had a positive impact on caregiver’s level of depression, anxiety, and stress. This study provided practical applications for practitioners and caregivers on how to improve caregiver mental health through the fulfillment of leisure needs.

Challenge-based programming as an effective means of increasing life- effectiveness has grown rapidly and been incorporated into many professions. As such it has become increasingly important for research as to its effects be conducted for the good of all. Thanks to the dedication of researchers such as Jim Sibthorp, James T. Neil and others there is an excellent base from which to continue to discover evidence as to the benefits of hands-on experiential programs in an outdoor adventure setting. This study focuses on 35 to 40 students from four countries participating in a two-month challenge based therapeutic recreation program (CTRP) which took place at a training camp for the Irish Peace Keeping Force located in rural Ireland. Students were surveyed at the start of the and again at the conclusion of the program. The goal of this study was to determine if participating in such a program would increase participant's overall life-effectiveness.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The nature of naval member’s job demands is that they experience high levels of stress. Stress is introduced in military training to familiarize sailors with real life stressors. This study is located in piloting and validity theory. It focuses explicitly on validating an existing tool, the Therapeutic Recreation Stress Leisure Appraisal Tool, to measure stress in the South African Navy. This study aimed to pilot and evaluate the validity and reliability of the developed tool in an African context in the South African Navy. A multi-stage procedure of instrument development using the instrument development model will be used, consisting of the following steps: 1) preliminary phase, 2) questionnaire development, 3) pilot testing, and 4) evaluation.