American Journal of Recreation Therapy

How moral treatment has influenced the practice of recreational therapy today

Bryan P. McCormick — 2024-09-01

Recreational therapists typically read about moral treatment in their introductory textbooks, which indicate that recreational therapy (RT) has its roots in moral treatment. Recreational therapists, however, are typically not provided the opportunity to gain an understanding of how moral treatment developed and the basics that underlie its practice. Nor are they aware that many principles taken from moral treatment are being applied within the practices of those in the recreational therapist profession today. This article describes the beginnings of moral treatment, how it influenced psychiatric care in the United States, its demise, and, most importantly, what it has brought to the practice of contemporary RT.

Evaluation of a leisure education program for law enforcement officers

Clara Hawkes — 2024-09-01

Leisure education (LE) is frequently provided in recreational therapy (RT) practice and can be offered to a diverse clientele. This study aimed to evaluate a new LE program for law enforcement officers that was developed based on the leisure education content model (LECM) and incorporated leisure experiences in parks to address stress and well-being. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to evaluate (a) the extent to which the program met its stated objectives, (b) the program’s alignment with the four key elements of the LECM, and (c) the perceived value of the program to participants. Participants (N = 10) were offered a series of six LE sessions at their place of employment and supplemented sessions with independent experiences in parks. Findings indicate 89.25 percent agreement that session learning objectives were met, 78.22 percent agreement that session content aligned with the LECM components, and 93.55 percent agreement that sessions had value to the participants. Suggestions for program improvement and implications for the profession are discussed, including possibilities to expand RT services to new populations.

Impacting mental health: Adaptive snowsports as a therapeutic approach for veterans with combat-related disabilities and their significant others

Jessie L. Bennett — 2024-09-01

This study aimed to investigate the effects of adaptive snowsports programs on veterans with combat-related disabilities and their significant others. The study focused on outcomes related to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) components, including body function, participation, and contextual factors. The variables examined encompassed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, family leisure involvement, community reintegration, and family functioning. Friedman tests were employed to compare pretest, post-test, and 1-month follow-up data for 18 veterans and 11 significant others. The results revealed significant reductions in the ICF component of body function, specifically in PTSD symptoms among veterans and depression symptoms among the significant others. These findings suggest that trip-type family therapeutic recreation programs for veterans with combat-related disabilities and their significant others have the potential to influence body functions. The study concludes by discussing implications for recreational therapists.

The effects of a cognitive training program on individuals with moderate to severe cognitive impairment: A program evaluation study

Jacklyn A. Gehling — 2024-09-01

Objective: This exploratory program evaluation investigated the effectiveness and feasibility of a cognitive training program for individuals aged 75-98 with moderate to severe cognitive impairment.

Design: A pre-/post-quasi-experimental design was implemented.

Setting: Participants were assessed before and after engagement in a cognitive training program implemented by trained activity staff at four older adult care facilities across the United States. Qualitative data on program feasibility were collected post-intervention from staff.

Participants: Assent was gained for 15 participants with confirmed moderate to severe cognitive impairment.

Interventions: All participants completed a 12-week program led by trained facilitators that consisted of activities targeting six cognitive domains, eg, attention and memory.

Main outcome measure: The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status—Update was administered 1 week prior to and 1 week following the completion of the program. A qualitative questionnaire was completed at follow-up by program facilitators to measure program feasibility.

Results: Small to large effect sizes were observed in over half of the cognitive domains assessed. Qualitative data suggest program feasibility.

Conclusions: The results indicate the effectiveness and feasibility of this cognitive training program yet warrant further investigation into the benefits of the program through a randomized controlled trial.

Volume 23, Number 2

American Journal of Recreation Therapy — 2024-09-01