Volume 18, Number 4

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Leisure counseling should be past the crossroads. Is it?

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A mentally stimulating activities program for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease

This study evaluated whether a mentally stimulating activities (MSA) program reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms and improved cognitive status and quality of life, as compared to a support group for persons in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This randomized controlled trial included 81 adults (aged 55+), who were randomly assigned to the MSA group (treatment) or a social support group (control). A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) identified that MSA participants significantly reduced apathy (p 0.001) and depressive symptoms (p 0.001), as well as improved cognitive status (p 0.001) and quality of life (p 0.001) as compared to the control group. A structured classroom-style MSA program may be a viable and therapeutic intervention to alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms, and improve cognitive status and quality of life in early-stage AD.

A program evaluation of a recreation-based military family camp

Camps may be beneficial environments to provide military families with opportunities to participate in meaningful leisure to revitalize family relationships and to form connections within the military family community. While research has investigated the effects of these programs on veterans and families, limited research incorporates consumer-based evaluations of the service provider. Thus, the purpose of this study was to perform an evaluation of a therapeutic, recreation-based military family camp. A multiphase importance performance analysis (IPA) was implemented with 19 individuals who attended the camp. Participants rated program components using a 5-point Likert scale. Results revealed high importance and performance scores on all program components, as well as highlighted areas of programing with opportunity for maintenance and improvement. These findings provide recommendations for the improvement of this camp, as well as insight into future research and/or evaluations of military family camp programing.

The relationship between personality and compassion fatigue among future recreational therapists

There is a lack of research and understanding regarding how personality traits are associated with compassion fatigue (CF), particularly among recreational therapists (RTs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between personality and compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout, and secondary traumatic stress (STS). Using the ProQOL and the five-factor personality model with a sample of 60 university students, results indicate that personality traits are related to CF. In particular, this study suggests that the personality trait of agreeableness is important to the quality of life experienced by RTs.

Exploring the physical and psychosocial benefits of yoga for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often experience negative physical and psychosocial health outcomes that may result in lower levels of engagement in physical activity and decreased quality of life. Physical activity, such as yoga, may improve physical functioning and psychosocial wellbeing among individuals with IDD. There is a lack of published research that evaluates outcomes of yoga participation for individuals with IDD. Thus, the purpose of this multimethod study was to explore the influence of yoga participation on the physical functioning and psychosocial wellbeing of adults with IDD. Eleven adults with IDD engaged in 12, 60-minute yoga sessions for 7 weeks. Results indicated significant improvements in participants’ lower body strength and endurance, and their interest and enjoyment as motivation for participating in physical activity. Findings suggest that yoga has the potential to improve physical functioning and psychosocial wellbeing among adults with IDD. Recommendations for future research are included.

Thanks and Welcome!

It is with saddened heart that I announce the retirement of Dr. Nancy Richeson, PhD, CTRS, FDRT as Editorin- Chief of the American Journal of Recreation Therapy (AJRT). . .As with many transitions, change can be unsettling. Fortunately for the American Journal of Recreation Therapy and the field, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Allison Wilder, PhD, CTRS/L as our new Editor-in-Chief. Dr. Wilder is Associate Professor and Faculty Fellow at the Center on Aging and Community Living in the Department of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire—College of Health and Human Services.

Bibliotherapy as a recreational therapy intervention in pediatric oncology

Objective: To examine the literature, facilitate understanding of the intervention and contribute to the evidence-based practice on the use of bibliotherapy with children who have cancer to facilitate coping skills for anxiety.Methods: A literature review was conducted to examine the practice of bibliotherapy when used with children who have cancer and implications for recreational therapy practice were developed.Results: While the research on bibliotherapy is limited in recreational therapy literature, there is evidence that it can reduce anxiety and facilitate coping skills for children living with cancer.

Recreational therapy workforce: An update

This article explores why there is a decline in the growth rate of recreational therapy while there are substantial increases in other therapy professions and recreation workers. The growth numbers of the recreational therapy profession are at a normal growth rate of 7 percent for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The growth rate from the Occupational Handbook for 2010-2011 projected a growth rate of 15 percent. The growth rates for occupational therapy, “therapists, all others” and recreation workers are higher than recreational therapy projected by BLS at 20 percent or higher. Possible considerations as to causes for this change in growth are proposed.

Volume 18, Number 3

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