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Outcomes of a Therapeutic Fly-Fishing Program for Veterans with Combat-Related Disabilities: A Community-Based Rehabilitation Initiative

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of a therapeutic fly-fishing program for veterans with combat-related disabilities. A total of 40 veterans participated in the 4-day therapeutic fly-fishing program and this study. The outcomes examined included reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS), depression, perceived stress, functional impairment (i.e., work, relationships, physical, and everyday life), increasing self-determination, and leisure satisfaction. Each research participant completed pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up questionnaires. Repeated measures MANOVA and ANOVA were conducted to examine the differences between the three time points on each outcomes. The results indicated significant decreases from the pretest to posttest for symptoms of PTS, depression, perceived stress, and functional impairment, and an increase in leisure satisfaction from pretest to 3-month follow-up. These results highlight the use of therapeutic recreation programming for veterans with disabilities as a holistic approach to treatment and recovery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of New Hampshire, 4 Library Way, Durham, NH, 03824, USA

    Jessie L. Bennett

  2. Indiana University, HPER Building 133, 1025 E. Seventh Street, Bloomington, IN, 47405-7109, USA

    Jennifer A. Piatt

  3. Clemson University, 128 McGinty Court, 283 Lehotsky Hall, Clemson, SC, 29634-0735, USA

    Marieke Van Puymbroeck

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  1. Jessie L. Bennett
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Bennett, J.L., Piatt, J.A. & Van Puymbroeck, M. Outcomes of a Therapeutic Fly-Fishing Program for Veterans with Combat-Related Disabilities: A Community-Based Rehabilitation Initiative. Community Ment Health J 53, 756–765 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0124-9

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