The effect of therapeutic recreation activities on students' appraisal of their emotions during academically demanding times

Abstract

Adolescent and young adult university students' decreasing physical activity levels impact considerably on their psychological stress levels. Acute and long-term bouts of exercise can reduce psychological stress (Taylor, 2000). In this study the Leisure-time Exercise Questionnaire and Positive Affect Negative Affect Scale were used to determine students' physical activity levels and emotional states before their first and second test weeks, in order to ascertain the effect of therapeutic recreational activities on their appraisals of their feelings and emotions during academically demanding times. The recreational therapy was presented between these test weeks. Results indicated that both the physical activity levels and the emotional state of the experimental group improved. Future studies could include determining which recreation activity has the greatest therapeutic effect while better controlling participants in both groups. In view of its potential value for relieving stress, therapeutic recreation could be used as a technique in relieving stress prior to tests and examinations.