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The Effects of Surfing and the Natural Environment on the Well-Being of Combat Veterans

journal contribution
posted on 2023-07-26, 13:52 authored by Nick Caddick, Brett Smith, Cassandra Phoenix
Although researchers have identified the benefits of physical activity on well-being, there is little evidence concerning the effects of nature-based physical activity. We investigated the effect of one nature-based activity—surfing—on the well-being of combat veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We conducted interviews and participant observations with a group of combat veterans belonging to a United Kingdom-based veterans’ surfing charity. Our primary analytical approach was dialogical narrative analysis. Based on our rigorous analysis and findings, we suggest that surfing facilitated a sense of respite from PTSD. Respite was a fully embodied feeling of release from suffering that was cultivated through surfing and shaped by the stories veterans told of their experiences. We significantly extend previous knowledge on physical activity, combat veterans, and PTSD by highlighting how naturebased physical activity, encapsulated in the conceptual notion of the “blue gym,” can promote well-being among combat veterans.

History

Refereed

  • Yes

Volume

25

Issue number

1

Page range

76-86

Publication title

Qualitative Health Research

ISSN

1552-7557

Publisher

SAGE

Language

  • other

Legacy posted date

2016-08-02

Legacy creation date

2016-07-21

Legacy Faculty/School/Department

ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)

Note

https://nickcaddickacademic.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/surfing-and-veterans-well-being1.pdf

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