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This paper describes the findings from a study that explored Professional Quality of Life (ProQoL) among TR practitioners working in long term-care homes in Ontario, Canada. ProQoL incorporates positive (e.g., compassion satisfaction) and negative (e.g., compassion fatigue and burnout) aspects of working in healthcare (Stamm, 2010). Limited research exists exploring ProQoL from the perspective of TR practitioners working in LTC homes. To address this gap, four TR practitioners were interviewed to explore past and present experiences that contribute to ProQoL and write personal narratives that embody moments of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. Narrative thematic analysis revealed three threads of ProQoL among practitioners: fueling the soul through connection and purpose, draining the TR spirit through workplace conflict and role ambiguity, and developing professional valour. Findings suggest that although practitioners derive great fulfillment from their careers, workplace culture and relational conflict are chronic challenges that erode the ProQoL of professionals. Recommendations for future research and practice are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive outdoor recreation experiences are widely accepted as a means to rehabilitation and community inclusion; however, therapeutic recreation specialists, have been limited in their ability to document benefits of outdoor recreation activities due to a lack of available instruments. This study reports on the development and implementation of the Progress Report assessment tool, designed to capture functional outcomes of an adaptive snow sports program in the Rocky Mountains. Instrument design, validation, and pilot testing are reviewed. Findings indicate positive changes in participant functional skills observed during snow sports lessons and a positive relationship between number of lessons and one's ability for the respective snow sports activity. Considerations for adaptation and application of the Progress Report, and implications for future research, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Flourishing through Leisure Model (FTL) is a recently developed practice model in the field. Using a convenience sample of 210, this cross-sectional study aimed to test the model's validity. Participants were recruited from seven different sites that provided therapeutic recreation services (both clinical and community settings). A 110-question online survey was used to collect data on the theoretical constructs of the FTL, including overall well-being, leisure, and other well-being domains (i.e., psychological, cognitive, social, physical, and spiritual well-being), as well as the ecological impact on well-being. The results of this study suggested that overall well-being is significantly correlated with all other well-being domains. Additionally, the regression model with the following predictors--psychological/ emotional, environmental factors, leisure participation, social, and leisure experiences--successfully explained 71.3% of the variance in predicting overall well-being. The findings of this study supported the FTL as a sound model to guide recreational therapists in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing prevalence of behavioral health disorders in veterans has triggered a widespread effort to identify and provide complementary interventions. This study investigated physical activity as a complementary treatment option for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for recreational therapy (RT) programs. A correlational survey research design was used to examine relationships between participation in three types of physical activity (traditional indoor fitness, outdoor adventure activity, and mind-body practices) and four psychosocial measures for veterans with PTSD (depression, anxiety, health-related quality of life [HRQoL], and substance use). A total of 102 participants completed the online survey. Results indicated that the frequency and duration of traditional indoor fitness activities and outdoor adventure activities were significantly associated with higher HRQoL, lower reoccurrence of substance use risk, substance use, and depression. Implications for the use of physical activity in recreational therapy for veterans with behavioral health disorders and future research studies were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]