Recreational therapists’ status and perceptions of incorporating spirituality in therapeutic recreation
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Kaitlyn Powalie (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Leandra Bedini
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore recreational therapists’ status and perceptions of incorporating spirituality into the field of Therapeutic Recreation (TR). The literature indicates that healthcare is moving to treat individuals more holistically and is evidenced by the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organization’s (JCAHO) mandating that all of their accredited agencies conduct a spiritual assessment on their clients (Hodge, 2006). Recent studies in TR specifically have found that some recreational therapists (RTs) are already applying spirituality in practice and interested in receiving additional education on how to assess and treat individuals’ spiritual needs. However, no comprehensive study has been conducted on RTs’ perceptions and the status of spirituality in TR services. An online questionnaire was developed through Qualtrics and sent out to 6,200 full-time Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs) practicing in the US and Canada. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS Statistical Software, version 26. A total of 411 CTRSs responded to the survey. The results of this study indicated that respondents not only thought addressing clients’ spirituality needs is important, but also that they are currently doing so throughout the TR therapeutic process. Results also indicated that spirituality has a role in TR practice and that there is a need for more training on addressing clients’ spiritual needs. Several recommendations were made for the inclusion of spirituality in the TR scope of practice, education, and future research.
Recreational therapists’ status and perceptions of incorporating spirituality in therapeutic recreation
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Created on 12/1/2020
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2020
- Keywords
- Holistic Care, Patient-Centered, Recreational Therapy, Spirituality, Strength-Based
- Subjects
- Recreational therapists $x Attitudes
- Recreational therapy
- Spirituality $x Health aspects