Meaning-Centered Therapeutic Recreation: A Practical Approach

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2020-V54-I3-10199

Keywords:

engagement, meaning-making, recreational therapy, strengths-based, therapeutic recreation practice

Abstract

The purpose of this manuscript is to further explore the role of therapeutic recreation (TR) in utilizing a meaning- centered approach to practice, specifically through the incorporation of a meaning-making framework. This discussion is grounded in and builds upon previous strengths-based TR literature. Leisure-induced meaning making may be best understood/characterized by five key themes including: (a) a joyful life, (b) a connected life (c) a discovered life, (d) a composed life, and (e) an empowered life. Finally, strategies for incorporating the framework into practice are offered as a beginning point for practitioners who wish to infuse meaning-centered work in their practice, including a discussion on potential challenges with utilizing this approach.

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Author Biographies

Tristan Hopper, University of Regina

Dr. Tristan Hopper is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. His research interests include the active engagement of individuals who live on the margins, meaning-making, and practice-focused research through community-based research. 

Julia Froese, University of Alberta

Julia Froese is a Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Her research interests include leisure, meaning-making, grief, and traumatic loss. 

Yoshitaka Iwasaki, San Jose State University

Dr. Yoshitaka (Yoshi) Iwasaki is Professor and Chair of the Department of Health Science and Recreation in the College of Health and Human Sciences at San Jose State University (SJSU) in California, USA with over 20 years of experience in community-engaged research and education, knowledge mobilization, and capacity-building from trans-disciplinary, interprofessional, and social justice perspectives. 

Published

2020-08-18

Issue

Section

Conceptual Papers