SPORTS THERAPY

Sports Therapy

Abstract

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 ...