A qualitative investigation into the perceived therapeutic benefits and barriers of a surf therapy intervention for youth mental health

Cameron J Drake; Michael Keith; Madeleine R Dober; Subhadra Evans; Lisa S Olive

doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102713

A qualitative investigation into the perceived therapeutic benefits and barriers of a surf therapy intervention for youth mental health

Complement Ther Med. 2021 Jun:59:102713. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102713. Epub 2021 Mar 20.

Authors

Cameron J Drake¹, Michael Keith², Madeleine R Dober³, Subhadra Evans⁴, Lisa S Olive⁵

Affiliations

¹ School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 Australia. Electronic address: cjdrake@deakin.edu.au.
² School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 Australia. Electronic address: mkeith@deakin.edu.au.
³ School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 Australia. Electronic address: mrdober@deakin.edu.au.
⁴ School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 Australia; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: subhadra.evans@deakin.edu.au.
⁵ School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 Australia; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Elite Sport and Mental Health, Orygen, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: lisa.olive@deakin.edu.au.

PMID: 33757830
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102713

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate potential therapeutic pathways and barriers to participation in a surf therapy program for youth at risk of mental health problems from the perspective of participants, surf mentors and program coordinator.

Method: Nineteen individuals, consisting of youth (n = 9, 5 male, 4 female, M = 12.8, SD = 2.6), mentors (n = 9, male 5, female 4, M = 37.60, SD = 13.62) and the Ocean Mind program coordinator (n = 1, male, age 26 years), participated in semi-structured focus groups or follow-up interviews. This qualitative study analysed data using inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Six themes were identified in total, with self-efficacy, interpersonal skills and forming a mentorship being potential therapeutic pathways of the surf therapy intervention. Surf instruction techniques and family engagement were both identified as potential barriers that negatively affect participant engagement. Additionally, the natural environment was identified as both a potential therapeutic pathway and a barrier.

Conclusion: Surf therapy interventions appears to hold a number of benefits for youth mental health via pathways relating to the promotion of mental health protective factors.

Keywords: Adolescent; Blue space; Child; Complementary therapies; Early intervention; Mental health; Mind-body therapies; Physical activity; Surf therapy; Youth sports.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Male
Mental Health*
Qualitative Research
Self Efficacy
Sports*