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Abstract
While evidence is emerging for therapeutic recreation programs for veterans with combat-related disabilities, minimal research has been done to understand participants' perceptions of these programs. The intent of this study was to examine the perceptions of veterans with combat-related disabilities following participation in a therapeutic fly-fishing program. Six focus group discussions were conducted and the constant comparison method of analysis was used to discover the two primary themes of Perceived Benefits and Important Program Components. Based on these findings, implications for therapeutic recreation practice are included.
Keywords
combat-related disabilities; constant comparison method; fly-fishing; therapeutic recreation; veterans
Returning veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) are more likely to have combat-related disabilities of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), visual impairments, and/or amputations, compared to previous wars (Fischer, 2010). These psychological and physical disabilities often affect veterans' functioning and quality of life (Epstein, Heinemann, & McFarland, 2010; Schnurr, Lunney, Bovin, & Marx, 2009). Therapeutic recreation programs are being developed throughout the country for returning OIF/OEF veterans with combat-related disabilities (Warrior Transition Command, 2010). These programs are reporting positive outcomes such as reduced symptoms of PTSD and depression and increased coping skills and positive emotions (Bennett, Lundberg, Zabriskie, & Eggett, 2014; Dustin, Bricker, Arave, Wall, & Wendt, 2011; Lundberg, Bennett, & Smith, 2011; Vella, Milligan, & Bennett, 2013). Additional research is warranted, however, for recreational therapists to understand how the veterans with combat-related disabilities perceive these experiences and understand what components are important so that therapeutic interventions can be implemented. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of OIF/OEF veterans with combat-related disabilities regarding the benefits and important components of a therapeutic fly-fishing program.
Veterans with Combat-Related Disabilities
The number of injured United States service members is steadily increasing as the Global War on Terror (GWOT) continues, thus affecting the overall well-being of our society. The two main conflicts in the GWOT were OIF and OEF. These conflicts have been called two of the most physically and psychologically harmful conflicts compared to previous wars (Aronson, 2005; Warden, 2006), and the use of improvised explosive devices has led to increased numbers of serious physical injuries (Tanielian & Jaycox, 2008; Weisskopf, 2007; Zoroya, 2007). Fortunately, advances in...