Surf Therapy for Children and Young People: A Systematic Literature Review of Qualitative Mental Health and Well-Being Outcomes. Exploring the Impact of Adaptive Surfing on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Children and Young People: A Multiperspectival Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract One: Introduction: With mental health difficulties among Children and Young People (CYP) remaining prevalent, and existing services struggling to meet demand, there is a growing drive towards developing novel interventions and prevention strategies tailored to CYP. Surf therapy is gaining recognition as a potential mental health and well-being intervention for CYP, with anecdotal evidence suggesting benefits for CYP across various presentations. However, empirical research in this field is still emerging, and doesn’t yet demonstrate consistent improvement in mental health symptoms. Qualitative research can offer valuable insights into outcomes and processes that can be harder to ascertain by quantitative methods alone. Therefore, this systematic review examines the empirical qualitative evidence on surf therapy for CYP, synthesising key outcomes relating to mental health and well-being. Method: A systematic review of all qualitative literature to date concerning the mental health and well-being outcomes of surf therapy for CYP. Conducted using OVID (PsychINFO, PsychEXTRA), Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and SPORTDiscus, as well as additional web and citation searches. Results: Eleven papers met inclusion criteria for review. Thematic synthesis of qualitative outcomes identified three analytic themes, with associated subthemes: Emotional Well-Being & Positive Mood Changes, Empowerment & Identity Development, and Social Connection. Discussion: Findings support the use of surf therapy as a valuable alternative intervention to enhance the mental health and well-being of CYP across diverse populations. Limitations of the existing evidence base and areas for further research are discussed. Abstract Two: Background: Children and young people (CYP) with disabilities experience higher rates of mental health difficulties compared to their peers. Given the well-established benefits of nature for well-being, enhancing access to natural environments may offer a valuable strategy for mental health promotion for this population. One nature-based intervention gaining popularity among CYP is surf therapy, however, the research to date has largely overlooked its impacts on those with physical disabilities. This study addresses this gap by exploring the mental health and well-being impacts of adaptive surfing for CYP with physical disabilities, alongside insights from their parents. Methods: Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with CYP and their parents exploring their well-being-related experiences of adaptive surfing. Transcripts were analysed using a multiperspectival approach to interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) to generate key themes. Findings: Four key themes were identified across participants’ experiences: Unique Opportunities, The Importance of Connection, Waves of Joy, and Changing Perceptions and Expanding Possibilities. Conclusion: The findings suggest that adaptive surf therapy may offer a developmentally appropriate and engaging intervention that positively impacts the mental health and well-being of CYP with physical disabilities, as well as the wider systems around them.<p></p>

Author dc:creator

• Caitlin Hingston (21043337)

• Adaptive Surf Therapy
• Children and Young People
• Mental Health
• Well-Being
• Blue Space
• Surf Therapy

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved
• Open Access after 2027-06-18

Identifier

10779/exe.32731761.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/32731761