A grounded theory exploration of programme theory within Waves of Wellness surf therapy intervention.
Psychol Health
; : 1-23, 2023 May 21.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2324757
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Poor mental health represents a large proportion of disease burden faced by young Australians, which has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the reluctance of this population to seek support. Surf therapy is a novel form of intervention targeting mental health. The objective of this study was to interrogate programme theory within surf therapy, as delivered by the Waves of Wellness Foundation (WOW) in Australia. METHODS ANDMEASURES:
The study utilised grounded theory to understand or develop theoretical mediators for WOW surf therapy based on interviews exploring the experiences of previous intervention participants (n = 16; mean age = 18.4 years, SD = 2.8, range 14-24). Data were analysed through constant comparative analysis.RESULTS:
Five categories emerged from participant data as foundational to WOW programme theory (a) Safe Space, (b) Social Support, (c) Sensory Grounding, (d) Mastery and (e) Respite. These categories have novel theoretical and practical implications for both surf therapy and wider clinical practice, especially around concepts such as delivering 'mental health by stealth' and fostering longer term 'mental health maintenance' for participants.CONCLUSION:
The study developed an initial WOW programme theory, highlighting the importance of foundational therapeutic structures beyond simply going surfing.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Language:
English
Journal:
Psychol Health
Journal subject:
Psychology
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
08870446.2023.2214590
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