Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice

Volume 11, No. 2

Published April 6, 2020

Articles

  1. Cover Image

    Gregor V. Sarkisian, Kristen H. Walter, Giovanni Martínez, Philip B. Ward

    Introduction to the Special Issue on Surf Therapy Around the Globe

    This Special Issue on Surf Therapy Around the Globe in the Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice is devoted to advancing the science and practice of surf therapy for diverse populations around the world. This introductory article provides a framework for this Special Issue. Surf therapy’s beginnings as a small group intervention that served a variety of marginalized populations over the past fifteen years is outlined. Next, a description of how surf therapy programs utilize four community psychology practice competencies – empowerment, mentorship, community inclusion and partnership, and health promotion – in the delivery of surf therapy is detailed. A brief overview of each article in this Special Issue is provided, linked to three practice competency categories – collaboration and coalition development, participatory research, and program evaluation. Finally, videos ancillary to three of the articles are introduced and a fourth video without an accompanying article is also outlined.

  2. Cover Image

    Elizabeth Benninger, Chloe Curtis, Gregor V. Sarkisian, Carly M. Rogers, Kailey Bender, Megan Comer

    Surf Therapy: A Scoping Review of the Qualitative and Quantitative Research Evidence

    Over the past 15 years, surf therapy has emerged as a growing therapeutic intervention in diverse communities around the world.  Although the programs operate on the premise that surf therapy provides a range of benefits for both physical and psychological health, there is limited research evidence available to support these claims. There additionally remains a need to further develop evidence-based practices around surf therapy that support the global impact of existing and future surf therapy interventions. This research provides a scoping review of academic literature focused on surf therapy.  The objectives of the research are; (1) to gain a better understanding of the global use of surf therapy and its physical, psychological and social benefits, (2) to identify intervention and research gaps related to surf therapy, (3) to provide recommendations for future surf therapy research, (4) to use the evidence to inform best practices in the field. A systematic article search of the meta-databases Google Scholar, EbscoHost, and Wiley yielded 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria. An additional search for Master’s Theses, Doctoral Dissertations, and expert search yielded 11 studies.  A total of 29 studies were found to meet criteria.  The data from the studies were analyzed using metasynthesis.  As a result, the review provides an overview of the current scientific evidence related to surf therapy, including its physical, psychological, and social benefits.  It additionally provides a detailed description of existing research methods and measures used to evaluate the impact of surfing as a therapeutic intervention that could inform further research designs. The study supports surf therapy as a means of improving both physical and psychosocial health outcomes and includes recommendations for improving surf therapy research and practice.

  3. Cover Image

    Matthew Mattila

    Coalition Building in Surf Therapy: A Case Study on Collective Impact

    This article explores the experience of the surf therapy sector developing a coalition using the collective impact framework. Several dozen surf therapy programs and sector supporters now meet annually to discuss progress and collaborate on shared sector goals after years of programs working independently and even viewing one another as competitors. Key participants found collective impact worked in encouraging shared leadership, common agenda, reinforcing activities, and continuous communication. However, participants found challenges with collective impact in the approach feeling top-down, difficultly agreeing on a common agenda and shared measures, and uneven contribution and follow-through from programs. Additional challenges included limited opportunities for program participants to contribute to the coalition building, lack of a social justice orientation, and lack of backbone organization funding. Recommendations for sectors using coalition building include considering funding and previous experience building coalitions, finding humble and bold leaders, getting the timing right, being focused and realistic with targets, and streamlining decision making.

  4. Cover Image

    Jamie Marshall, Brendon Ferrier, Philip B. Ward, Russell Martindale

    “When I was surfing with those guys I was surfing with family.” A Grounded Exploration of Program Theory within the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation Surf Therapy Intervention

    Surf therapy is an intervention increasingly being utilized to tackle a range of health inequalities for military veterans. While increasing evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of surf therapy, there has been limited exploration of program theoretical explanations as to how it achieves positive outcomes. Theoretical understanding is important as it allows for service optimization, monitoring and further development. The current study utilized a pragmatic qualitative approach to explore theoretical mediators of the outcomes of Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation (JMMF) surf therapy intervention. JMMF is a California (USA)-based program supporting military veterans facing mental and physical health challenges. Eighteen people who had participated in JMMF interventions (12 males and 6 females; mean age = 42 years; standard deviation = 11 years; range 28-71) were interviewed in depth about their experiences of the surf therapy intervention. Data were analyzed through constant comparative analysis and memo writing in line with pragmatic grounded theory. Two core intervention categories (relating to service delivery) were identified: “Constant challenge tackled at own pace” and “A non-judgmental familial safe space.” A further three individual categories (relating to participants) were identified: “Accomplishment,” “Respite,” and “Social Connections.” One contextualized category was identified; “Physical Therapeutic Elements.” Furthermore, a culture of “Reframing Failure” pervaded every element of the intervention. The findings demonstrated strong links to self-determination and flow theories which suggest potential theoretical frameworks for better understanding of the constructs that underpin surf therapy. The findings provide empirical evidence as to how best to optimize and expand JMMF service delivery in the US and potentially for surf therapy in wider veteran populations.

  5. Cover Image

    Easkey Britton, Gesche Kindermann, Caitriona Carlin

    Surfing and the Senses: Using Body Mapping to Understand the Embodied and Therapeutic Experiences of Young Surfers with Autism

    There is a growing body of evidence for the benefits of the use of water-based activities and environments as an alternative or complimentary therapeutic intervention to mainstream, medicalised approaches. Surfing is one such activity with the health benefits of surf therapy linked to the fluid and dynamic nature of surfing and the sea, while learning to surf in a group context can help enhance a sense of belonging and identity through shared experiences in the surf. This paper introduces the ways in which embodied and creative work in nature can empower young people with mental health difficulties, in particular Autism. The study explores embodied experiences and the use of a creative, participatory approach to evaluating a surf therapy intervention. As such, we investigate the usability of a novel participatory evaluation method, body mapping, to evaluate the feelings and emotional wellbeing of young participants in a surf therapy programme. Findings show how body mapping can be used to help create a richer picture of the potential health and wellbeing outcomes from engaging with the sea and highlights surfing as psychosomatic experience. The paper highlights the potential of in-situ embodiment practices and creative methodologies like body mapping to support therapeutic processes, in particular those related to the imagination and emotional body, in a playful and engaging way.

  6. Cover Image

    Nicholas P. Otis, Kristen H. Walter, Lisa H. Glassman, Travis N. Ray, Betty Michalewicz-Kragh, Cynthia J. Thomsen

    Effects of PTSD and MDD Comorbidity on Psychological Changes during Surf Therapy Sessions for Active Duty Service Members

    Together, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are debilitating and commonly comorbid; however, the effects of this comorbidity on psychological outcomes during exercise programs, such as surf therapy, have not been examined. This study compared changes in depression/anxiety and positive affect during surf therapy sessions between active duty service members with comorbid PTSD and MDD and those with either disorder alone. The study applied DSM-5 criteria to baseline self-report measures to assign probable disorder status, and used a longitudinal design involving repeated measurements to assess outcomes within 6 weekly sessions. Service members completed validated self-report questionnaires using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 and the Positive Affect Schedule before and after each session. Within surf therapy sessions, both the comorbid and single disorder groups reported significant improvements in symptoms of depression/anxiety and positive affect. However, those with comorbid PTSD and MDD experienced significantly greater reductions in depression/anxiety (beta = -1.22, p = .028) and significantly greater improvements in positive affect (beta = 3.94, p = .046) compared with the single disorder group. Surf therapy appears to have global effects on psychological symptom reduction and may be a useful adjunctive intervention for the treatment of comorbid PTSD and MDD in both clinical and community health settings.

  7. Cover Image

    Gregor V. Sarkisian, Chloe Curtis, Carly M. Rogers

    Emerging Hope: Outcomes of a One-Day Surf Therapy Program with Youth At-Promise

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of participation in a one-day surf therapy program among youth at-promise. Participants (N=152) were predominantly Hispanic or Latino (71%), followed by Black or African American (18%), 57% were Female, and age ranged from 6 to 19 years. Participant drawings were rated to evaluate program process. The program outcome was evaluated through an observational one-group pretest-posttest follow-up design using the Children’s Hope Scale. A paired samples t-test found a statistically significant increase in mean scores on hope after participation. A one-way analysis of variance on a subsample (n=50) with one month follow up data found a statistically significant increase in mean scores on hope after participation and one-month after participation. Results suggest that the study participants experienced a significant increase in hope through their participation in the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation’s one-day ocean therapy program. Limitations of the study design and implications for research and practice are discussed.

  8. Cover Image

    Paulo Gomes, Nuno Fazenda, Diego Gomez-Baya, Mary Elizabeth Rauktis, Grace Provost

    Surf.Art in Portugal: Daring, Accomplishing and Transforming Portuguese Youth and Their Communities

    This manuscript reports the implementation and the six-year outcomes of the SURF.ART program, a youth development intervention developed by Pressley Ridge Portugal.  The program has multiple components including a “life project”, support for crises, psychoeducational workshops, engagement with parents and surfing instruction and practice for youth. Multivariate analyses (MANOVA) were conducted with a sample of 69 participating youth to test for differences between groups and over time. In terms of behaviour and strengths, prosocial behaviour increased significantly and problematic behaviour decreased. Specifically, in the early stages of the intervention, prosocial behaviour increased three points and general difficulties decreased 10 points, in their respective scales.  Large effect sizes were observed. Gender and age influences were observed as well as variation in outcomes due to dosage (time in program) and engagement in the program. Despite limitations due to the small sample and non-experimental design, this study provides some interesting findings about the value of surfing interventions for youth at risk of social exclusion related to ethnicity and poverty.

  9. Cover Image

    Hannah Devine-Wright, Cath Godfrey

    The Wave Project: Evidencing Surf Therapy for Young People in the UK

    Sport and exercise are known to have long-term, positive consequences for the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the individual and society as a whole. In the UK, a quarter of young people experience long-term illness, disability or mental ill-health. However, understanding the impact of surfing on physical and mental health is complex, not least because there are different pathways by which surfing can improve health and wellbeing  including: playing, being in nature, socialising, taking risks and identifying as a surfer. The Wave Project is a UK-wide surf therapy charity which provides vulnerable young people aged 8-21 with an opportunity to surf once a week for six weeks. At The Wave Project, clients ‘do’ surfing with the one-to-one assistance of a volunteer overseen by a surf coordinator. After completing The Wave Project clients are invited to become members of a follow-on Surf Club staffed by volunteers or become a Wave Project volunteer themselves. This paper provides an overview of the Wave Project evaluation programme between 2013-2017. During this period there have been three evaluation phases centred around Wave Project delivery: Spring 2013, Summer 2014-Autumn 2015 and Spring-Summer 2017. Each phase has employed a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the experience of clients, parents/carers, referrers and Wave Project staff. These methods have included pre- and post-intervention client surveys, focus groups, interviews and log books. The results to-date show that surf therapy can improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable young people in the UK.

  10. Cover Image

    Hanneke van Ewijk, Marjolein Wansink-Lokerman, Andreas Lamerz, Suzanne van den Broek

    Positive Effects of Surfing on Psychological Wellbeing for Children with Developmental Difficulties

    Children with developmental disorders or disabilities often experience a wide range of difficulties and reduced quality of life. Surfing is gaining popularity as a sport that can promote psychological well-being, but research is still scarce. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of surfing on the quality of life of children with developmental difficulties. Participants were 84 children with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Quality of life was measured by a parent-rated questionnaire (KIDSCREEN-27) before and after a series of three adapted surfing lessons. Additionally, responses on an evaluation questionnaire were qualitatively analysed to gain more insight into the experiences of children and parents. Results of the KIDSCREEN showed a significant increase in the children's quality of life after 3 surfing lessons for the Total score, as well as subscale scores for Psychological well-being, Social support & peers and School. A trend towards significance was found for the subscale Autonomy & parent relation. Qualitative analysis of evaluation data showed consistent positive experiences by children as well as parents. According to parents, surfing improved the child's mood, self-confidence, self-esteem and social-emotional functioning. They saw their child enjoy the lessons, conquering their fears, feeling safe and free. According to many parents, effects transferred into their child's daily life. Surfing in a safe, structured and positive environment holds promise to improve the quality of life for children with developmental difficulties. Findings provide valuable insights into the scope of these effects and possible working mechanisms underlying the effects.

  11. Cover Image

    Nicci van der Merwe, Paula Yarrow

    More than Surfing: Inclusive Surf Therapy Informed by the Voices of South African Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

    The article provides the results, as well as policy and practice implications of an exploratory study on the feasibility and unique (unintended) benefits of surf therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in a developing world context. The main aim of the study was to understand if and how Waves for Change (W4C), a South-African-based non-government organisation’s existing surf therapy programme for neuro-typical children can be adapted to be more inclusive and meet the needs of neuro-diverse children. The objective of the study was two-fold: 1) to gain an in-depth understanding of children’s experiences participating in surf therapy, with specific reference to confidence and self-identity; peer and adult relationships and connectedness; and communication initiation and verbal output; and 2) to understand if and how the existing W4C surf therapy model (designed with and for neuro-typical children) can be offered to a more diverse target population. The study found that children with ASD’s experiences at W4C’s surf therapy programme were predominantly positive and surf therapy can have a positive effect on children with ASD’s overall wellbeing. The research produced several suggestions for adaptations to the original W4C surf therapy programme, to be more appropriate and effective for neuro-diverse children and more specifically children with ASD.

  12. Cover Image

    Lisa Olive, Rachael Parker, Madeleine Dober, Cameron Drake, Michael Keith, Rohan Telford

    Intervention Mapping: Using Theory and Evidence to Inform the Ocean Mind Surf Therapy Program for Improving Youth Mental Health

    Surf therapy is a novel intervention that has been shown to have positive effects on youth mental health and associated downstream negative effects on social, physical and occupational functioning. While the evidence-base on the effectiveness of surf therapy to improve youth mental health is emerging, to date there is little published evidence outlining program development or potential mechanisms and pathways to positive change. Intervention mapping is a method often used in program development in other health fields. The intervention mapping protocol outlined by Bartholomew Eldredge and colleagues (2016) describes an iterative process that allows program developers to identify and then solve complex problems, leading to program development. The protocol involves six steps: 1) Needs assessment, 2) Formulation of change objectives, 3) Selection of theory?based methods and practical strategies, 4) Development of the intervention, 5) Adoption and implementation plan, and 6) Evaluation planning. This study aims to describe the intervention mapping protocol and apply it to the development and refinement of a novel surf therapy intervention, Ocean Mind.  The Ocean Mind program combines psychoeducation, water safety and learn-to-surf activities with the overall program objective to improve mental health among child and adolescent participants. Based on the steps of intervention mapping, theory-based methods and strategies were selected that informed the activities of the intervention and these were applied at the level of the individual and environment.  This process led to a theory and evidence informed surf therapy program adapted to the local Australian context. While intervention mapping has been criticized for being time-consuming and burdensome, the resulting outcome may lead to increased effectiveness. It is hoped that the matrices of change objectives presented in the current work will assist future surf therapy program developers to design, implement and evaluate surf therapy interventions using a similar systematic approach.

  13. Cover Image

    Kristen H. Walter, Gregor V. Sarkisian, Giovanni Martinez, Philip B. Ward

    Surf Therapy Practice, Research, and Coalition Building: Future Directions

    Articles in this Special Issue of the Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice on Surf Therapy Around the Globe have focused on theory development, practice considerations, empirical research, and coalition building in order to advance the field of surf therapy. In this concluding article, the Guest Editors highlight the ways in which the collective work in this Special Issue expands on the current literature in terms of theory, as well as processes and outcomes for different programs across a variety of populations across the globe. Suggestions for conducting future studies on surf therapy are provided in order to build an even stronger knowledge base in this area. Finally, initiatives set forth by the International Surf Therapy Organization are presented in order to foster coalition building, participant inclusion, social justice, research and evaluation, and public advocacy. Collectively, this article aims to summarize the work highlighted in this Special Issue and pave a path for surf therapy practice and research going forward.