Psychosocial outcomes of an inclusive adapted sport and adventurous training course for military personnel

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the psychosocial outcomes of an inclusive adapted sport and adventurous training course that aims to support the rehabilitation and personal development of military personnel who have sustained physical and/or psychological disability. Method: Narrative life story interviews were conducted with 11 men aged 20–43 taking part in one of the 5-day courses. A thematic narrative analysis was conducted, focusing on accounts that provided insights into personally meaningful psychosocial outcomes of the course. Findings: We identified six themes, falling into two distinct clusters. “Bringing me back to myself” was achieved through the themes of (1) returning to activity, (2) rediscovering a sense of purpose, and (3) reconnecting to others. “New rooms to explore” was realised through (4) experiencing new activities, (5) being valued/respected/cared for and (6) being inspired by other people. Conclusion: Involvement in the course stimulated a balance of present- and future-oriented psychosocial outcomes through which participants both recreated aspects of themselves that had been lost through injury/trauma and moved forward with their lives as a result of new horizons of possibility.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• This 5-day inclusive adapted sport and adventurous training course offered meaningful psychosocial outcomes among military personnel who had experienced physical and/or psychological disability.

• The course helped participants recover aspects of their previous life and self through becoming physically active again, rediscovering a sense of purpose and reconnecting to others.

• Participants describe a broadening of life horizons as a result of the course, through new activities, being valued/respected/cared for, and being inspired by other people.

• Armed forces
• mental health
• narrative
• physical activity
• recovery
• soldiers

Acknowledgements

We thank the 11 participants for generously sharing stories of their experiences and allowing us to use their accounts in this publication. We also thank the coaching team, military and all other staff at the Battle Back Centre, Lilleshall, UK, and The Royal British Legion for their co-operation, support, and encouragement. Finally, we thank the anonymous reviewers for their responses.