Action Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2007.
Abstract
Spirituality is not consistently integrated into healthcare even though it is thought to play a vital role in health and recovery from illness (Gall, et al, 2005; Martsolf & Mickley, 1998; Mccain, 2005). Recreational therapists are in a position to capitalize on the free and expressive nature of leisure-based interventions to facilitate spiritual growth and development that may aid in recovery from illness. This article will explore the impact that an integrated exercise and recreational therapy program had on the spirituality of women recovering from breast cancer treatment. The theoretical framework used to guide service delivery and the lessons learned from these breast cancer survivors are presented along with implications for practice. Keywords: Breast cancer, exercise, leisure and well-being model, recreation therapy, spirituality, well-being.
