Lara Fenton

The Benefits of Recreation for the Recovery and Social Inclusion of Individuals with Mental Illness: An Integrative Review

Abstract Previous research has shown the physical health benefits of physical activity for individuals with mental health challenges to their recovery, including reduced symptoms, weight reduction, and improved cardiovascular health. The focus of this previous research has excluded an exploration of the benefits of all types of recreation (including physical activity, creative pursuits, and social recreation) and the possibility of these benefits supporting broader recovery goals, including social inclusion. Through an integrative review and critical appraisal of existing literature, we outline the benefits, barriers to participation, and characteristics of successful programs of a range of community-based recreation. Results included 35 papers and indicate that physical, social and creative community recreation can contribute to the recovery and social inclusion of individuals with mental health challenges. Additionally, inclusive recreation environments set the stage for cultivating friendships if staff is properly trained on supporting camaraderie among participants and facilitating communication with groups they lead.

The QATSDD critical appraisal tool: comments and critiques

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this research note is to reflect on the effectiveness of the QATSDD tool for its intended use in critical appraisals of synthesis work such as integrative reviews. METHODS A seven-member research team undertook a critical appraisal of qualitative and quantitative studies using the QATSDD. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION We believe that the tool can spur useful dialogue among researchers and increase in-depth understanding of reviewed papers, including the strengths and limitations of the literature. To increase the clarity of the process, we suggest further definition of the language in each indicator and inclusion of explicit examples for each criterion. We would also like to see the authors outline clear parameters around the use of the tool, essentially stating that the tool should be used in synthesis work for studies of mixed methods or work that includes qualitative and quantitative research informed by a positivist paradigm. In the context of an appropriate team composition, the tool can be a useful mechanism for guiding people who are coming together to discuss the merits of studies across multiple methodologies and disciplines.

Institutional concentration of leisure research: a follow-up to and extension of Jackson (2004).

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine whether the institutional concentration of North American leisure research has increased, decreased, or remained the same over the past two decades. To address this question, we compared data from 2000 to 2008, composed of 1,884 published articles and abstracts, 4,293 authorships, 1,461 authors, and 246 institutions, with data from 1990 to 1999 collected by Jackson (2004). Overall, our results suggest that while more are doing a little, a few are doing more. Findings are discussed, and it is proposed that leisure studies could benefit from even greater institutional concentration.

Recreation for mental health recovery

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to articulate a rationale for increased collaboration between the mental health system and recreation system by embracing recovery-oriented practice. We provide practical examples of the potential for this collaboration from our current ‘Recreation for Mental Health’ project. For example, recreation programs intended for individuals with mental health problems should be informed by individuals in the recreation sector, mental health sector and individuals with mental illnesses. As such, programming should reflect current understandings of recovery-oriented care, the benefits of recreation for mental health and consider the perspectives of those living with mental health problems. Additionally, opportunities for recreation engagement can be supported in ‘community arenas’: recreation spaces where individuals with mental health problems are not thought of or identified as mental health consumers and where they can fully participate in safe and supportive recreation environments. Finally, we outline suggestions for next steps including a number of intersectoral activities such as information sharing, asset mapping, knowledge translation, research and program evaluation.

“Removing the thorns”: the role of the arts in recovery for people with mental health challenges

Abstract Background: While the arts have long been associated with mental health, the role of self-directed arts participation in recovery has not been fully explored. Methods: We explored the question: From the perspectives of people living with mental health challenges, how does participation in and exhibiting or performing one’s art impact recovery? Six individual interviews and 19 narratives by artists with mental health challenges associated with an arts exhibit were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: The data are described by the themes providing structure and continuity, (re)creating our personal stories and building community. Novel findings include ongoing engagement in the arts as providing continuity during turbulent times. The role of the arts in advocacy on mental health was highlighted. Conclusion: While artists sometimes perceived paternalism in audience members, the arts provided a powerful means of communicating about mental illness, countering stigma and challenging dominant ways of conceptualizing mental illness.

Deepening Partnerships through Co-Leadership: Integrating First Voice Perspectives into the Recreation for Mental Health (R4MH) Project

Abstract With a common goal of increasing social inclusion through collaboration between the mental health and recreation sectors, the Recreation for Mental Health Project was a partnership between Dalhousie University, Recreation Nova Scotia, and the local Canadian Mental Health Association branch. Aims: Central to this project was the meaningful involvement of individuals with First Voice perspectives—in this case, people with lived experience of mental health challenges. This paper describes key strategies used to privilege First Voice perspectives throughout this project. Methods: The strategies included (a) advisory committee membership, (b) arts-based activities, (c) community-based research, and (d) co-leadership in project dissemination. Findings and conclusion: Initial strategies related to the project’s overall direction and research activities culminated in shared dissemination activities that fostered co-leadership. This co-leadership created the opportunity to intentionally discuss the challenges and facilitators of partnerships between people with First Voice experience and researchers throughout the project. Significance: This intentional process of exploring multiple perspectives bridged notions of ‘us’ and ‘them’, cultivating a sense of solidarity across shared experiences of exclusion and agency. Key principles related to relationships, multiple identities, and power-sharing are synthesized.

The Impacts of Recreation Programs on the Mental Health of Postsecondary Students in North America: An Integrative Review

The mental health of university students has become a recognized concern and lifestyle factors, including recreation, can play an integral role in maintaining positive mental health. The objective ...

Promising Practices for Making Recreation Programming Matter for People who Experience Mental Illness

There is merit in understanding how recreation-oriented programs for adults living with mental illness address barriers to participation and how programming is structured to create safe and inclusive environments, resulting in programming that amplifies the benefits of recreation for mental well-being. Following an environmental scan of programs targeting adults living with mental illness in Canada, ten coordinators in community mental health settings were interviewed. Four themes were constructed to reflect characteristics deemed to be ‘promising practices’ related to recreation-oriented programming: (a) barriers and solutions to individual participation, (b) characteristics of welcoming and supportive environments, (c) leadership characteristics, and (d) program characteristics.

Development of the psychologically deep experiences (PDE) in nature scale

ABSTRACT Mannell described psychologically deep experiences (PDEs) as meaningful events that alter awareness of the passage of time, perceptions of self and the environment. This study integrated 4 PDEs – Communitas, Fascination, Flow experiences and Spiritual experiences by using 11 constructs, developed in preexisting scales, designed to measure them. Our purpose was to develop a valid and comprehensive, nature-based PDE scale. After an expert review (n = 5) and conducting interviews (n = 12), the newly developed scale was included in an online questionnaire composed of nature-based recreationists (n = 431). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good overall fit for the test and cross validation samples (e.g. RMSEA = 0.047 and 0.038, NFI = 0.94 and 0.94). Although the Communitas and Fascination dimensions require empirical refinement, our findings help to distinguish among four correlated dimensions of meaningful outdoor recreation experiences.