Sharing a New Foxhole With Friends: The Impact of Outdoor Recreation on Injured Military

Authors

  • Sharon D. Rogers East Carolina University
  • David Loy East Carolina University
  • Christina Brown-Bochicchio East Carolina University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2016-V50-I3-2837

Keywords:

Coping, injured military, nature-based recreation, outdoor intervention, veterans

Abstract

Tens of thousands of military returning from active duty manage combat- related injuries, including physical polytrauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These injuries are complex, and current treatments lack evidentiary support or are hindered by barriers such as poor compliance. Nontraditional treatments, such as outdoor recreation, may serve as accessory or alternative therapies. A phenomenological approach was used to understand participants’ perceived outcomes of participating in a four-day retreat consisting of outdoor gaming activities. Participants’ (n =10) descriptions were gathered through private interviews and prominent categories emerged during data analysis. Respondents’ comments indicated two overarching categories: development of a social community among participants, and personal growth and maintenance resulting from participation. The latter concept was further studied and coded into subcategories. Results suggest that nontraditional therapeutic interventions, such as hunting or outdoorsman activities, achieve immediate positive outcomes for participants. Further study is necessary to explore long-term impacts and the relative effects of gaming activities and a social environment.

Author Biographies

Sharon D. Rogers, East Carolina University

Department of Health Education and Promotion, Associate Professor, PhD, ATC

David Loy, East Carolina University

Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Associate Professor, PhD, CTRS/LRT

Christina Brown-Bochicchio, East Carolina University

Department of Rehabilitation and Addiction Studies, Doctoral Student, MS, CTRS

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Published

2016-07-29

Issue

Vol. 50 No. 3 (2016)

Section

Qualitative Papers

License

Sagamore Publishing LLC (hereinafter the “Copyright Owner”)

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