Prospects of the Good Lives Model: An Exploration of its Applicability in Guiding Therapeutic Recreation Services in Forensic Psychiatry

This qualitative study explored the potential applicability of the Good Lives Model (GLM) as a guiding framework for therapeutic recreation (TR) practice within forensic psychiatry settings. Eight recreation therapists currently working in one of Ontario, Canada’s ten forensic psychiatry programs, with more than one year of experience, were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through reflection question responses and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) Strong Philosophical and Practical Alignment Between the GLM and TR Practice, (2) Therapeutic Recreation as a Conduit for Delivering Primary and Secondary Goods, and (3) Tangibility of the GLM in TR: Practical Realities in Forensic Psychiatry. Findings suggest that recreation therapists perceive the GLM as a meaningful and practical framework that has the potential to enhance their ability to better support rehabilitation efforts among the forensic psychiatry population. This study contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for strengths-based approaches in forensic psychiatry settings and highlights the potential for deeper integration of theoretical models like the GLM into TR practice.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. Applied Health Sciences

Level thesis:degree_level

Master

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

Department dc:contributor.department

Applied Health Sciences Program

Grantor dc:publisher

Brock University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Kuhr, Alicia

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hsieh, Pei-Chun

• Good Lives Model
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Strengths-Based Approaches
• Person-Centered Care

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10464/19633

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:brocku.scholaris.ca:10464/19633