To ‘just be relaxed and with your own thoughts’: Experiences of aquatic activity amongst individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia
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To ‘just be relaxed and with your own thoughts’ : Experiences of aquatic activity amongst individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. / Evans, Adam B.
In: Loisir et Societe, Vol. 40, No. 2, 2017, p. 175-192.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - To ‘just be relaxed and with your own thoughts’
T2 - Experiences of aquatic activity amongst individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia
AU - Evans, Adam B.
N1 - CURIS 2017 NEXS 295
PY - 2017
Y1 - 2017
N2 - The subjective, lived experiences of people with severe and enduring mental ill health during leisure remain a relatively under-researched area. Research suggests, however, that such participants value the empowering nature of tailored leisure activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five individuals, or ‘clients,’ diagnosed with schizophrenia, along with two of their support workers. A Foucauldian theoretical framework guided analysis. Clients were initially passive and dependent upon health professionals for support and guidance. Swimming in an exclusive group with other service users, however, engendered confidence and facilitated the development of supportive relationships between clients. Clients also felt empowered to make their own decisions within the enclosed pool environment. Moreover, descriptions of swimming also focused upon an ethic of self-care and positive emotions and sensations, such as relaxation, peacefulness, and ‘floating’ as an end in itself. The potential to engender similarly empowering experiences amongst other similar groups is considerable.
AB - The subjective, lived experiences of people with severe and enduring mental ill health during leisure remain a relatively under-researched area. Research suggests, however, that such participants value the empowering nature of tailored leisure activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five individuals, or ‘clients,’ diagnosed with schizophrenia, along with two of their support workers. A Foucauldian theoretical framework guided analysis. Clients were initially passive and dependent upon health professionals for support and guidance. Swimming in an exclusive group with other service users, however, engendered confidence and facilitated the development of supportive relationships between clients. Clients also felt empowered to make their own decisions within the enclosed pool environment. Moreover, descriptions of swimming also focused upon an ethic of self-care and positive emotions and sensations, such as relaxation, peacefulness, and ‘floating’ as an end in itself. The potential to engender similarly empowering experiences amongst other similar groups is considerable.
KW - Aquatic activity
KW - Embodied experiences
KW - Foucault
KW - Mental health
KW - Schizophrenia
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85021101638&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/07053436.2017.1328783
DO - 10.1080/07053436.2017.1328783
M3 - Journal article
AN - SCOPUS:85021101638
VL - 40
SP - 175
EP - 192
JO - Loisir et Societe
JF - Loisir et Societe
SN - 0705-3436
IS - 2
ER -
ID: 185238090