The relationship between exercise and mental health is well documented and has led to the inclusion of exercise into the treatment of people with mental health problems. A qualitative (grounded theory) methodology, using focus groups, investigated the experiences of people with mental health problems, who had successfully participated in exercise as part of their treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of service users who had successfully participated in sports therapy as part of their treatment. One of the researchers is also a service user who has participated in sports therapy and these experiences provided an insight into the research, especially in the design of the interview schedule, data collection (empathy with participants), and in the interpretation of the data. The dual role of service user and researcher is commended in contemporary mental health research and as such makes this study unique. A conceptual model is presented that explains the participants' subjective experiences, opinions, and perceptions of the role exercise has in their treatment, and their perceived outcomes from participation. The findings support sports therapy as an acceptable and beneficial adjunct to usual treatment for some people with mental health problems within the community, but that problems exist regarding knowledge and understanding of the theory underpinning its use.
Table of Contents
Abstract2
Chapter 1: Introduction4
Background of the Study5
Purpose of the Study6
Problem Statement6
Objectives of the Study7
Chapter 2: Literature Review8
A Brief History11
Counseling and Exercise and Sport Psychology12
Rehabilitation13
Recreation15
Health and Fitness15
Competitive Sports17
Changes and Challenges20
Counseling Psychologists Working With Athletes21
Exercise Interventions in Counseling23
Promoting Positive Youth Development24
Future Directions27
Chapter 3: Methodology30
Participants30
Procedures31
Survey31
Chapter 4: Findings, Analysis and Discussion34
Statistical Analysis34
Results34
Discussion36
Perceived role of sports therapy42
Factors affecting participation45
Perceived Benefits49
Chapter 5: Conclusion54
Recommendations57
Conclusion59
References60
Appendix65
Chapter 1: Introduction
Background of the Study
The positive relationship between exercise and mental health problems has long been documented (see, for example, Biddle and Mutrie 2001; Biddle et al. 2000; Callaghan 2004; Daley 2002; Fontaine 2000). As a consequence, this evidence has resulted in recommendations (Biddle et al. 2000; Burbach 1997; Callaghan 2004; Daley 2002) and practitioner guidelines (Grant 2000) for exercise to be used as an adjunct to other forms of treatment for mental health problems. However, despite the emergence of the recommendations, practice guidelines, and support from healthy policy documents (e.g. Department of Health 1999, 2006), exercise is still perceived as a neglected and underutilized intervention in mental health care (Callaghan 2004; Faulkner & Biddle 2002).
Participation in exercise for people with mental health problems is known to improve an individual's health and well-being (Faulkner & Sparkes 1999). It can also help to address health inequalities within this population, including higher rates of physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking prevalence (Crone et al. 2005a; Kendrick 1996; McCreadie 2003) which can result in higher levels of morbidity and premature mortality (Brown et al. 1999; Brugha et al. 1989). The inclusion therefore of exercise into service users treatment plans within mental health services, is both contemporary and in line with the government's public health agenda to increase physical activity levels within the population (Department of Culture, Media and Sport/Strategy Unit 2002; Department of Health ...