The comfort derived from social comparisons at a camp for youth with neuromuscular disease

Authors

  • Doug Knapp, PhD
  • Shay Dawson, MA, CTRS
  • Jennifer Piatt, PhD, CTRS
  • Mary Ann Devine, PhD, CTRS
  • Eric Knackmuhs, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2017.0142

Keywords:

neuromuscular disease, disability-specific camp, social comparison, comfort

Abstract

Evidence suggests that disability-specific camps may positively affect the social domains of youth with disabilities while attending residential programs. However, research has not focused on neuromuscular disease-specific camps despite a national programming presence. The current study used a qualitative phenomenological approach with 14 youth from a Muscular Dystrophy Association specific camp. The five to six-month post camp interviews yielded three themes associated with the participants' camp experience. There were recollections of the activities related to the camp, a strong feeling of comfort while participating in this week-long experience, and an apparent ease to which all of the participants were able to get along with each other due to the acceptance of each camper and their life's story. The application of social comparison theory to individuals experiencing health conditions is used to interpret the findings of this exploratory study.

Author Biographies

Doug Knapp, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

Shay Dawson, MA, CTRS

Director, Bradford Woods, Pediatric Health Institute, RT Academic Option Coordinator, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

Jennifer Piatt, PhD, CTRS

Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Associate Chair of Research, Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Adjunct Faculty, School of Medicine, Division of PM&R, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

Mary Ann Devine, PhD, CTRS

Professor, Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Management, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

Eric Knackmuhs, PhD

Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky

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Published

03/05/2018

How to Cite

Knapp, PhD, D., Dawson, MA, CTRS, S., Piatt, PhD, CTRS, J., Devine, PhD, CTRS, M. A., & Knackmuhs, PhD, E. (2018). The comfort derived from social comparisons at a camp for youth with neuromuscular disease. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 16(4), 7–12. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2017.0142

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 4 (2017): Fall

Section

Articles

License

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