Suchergebnisse

Alternative approaches to mental health and support programming for military veterans and for officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with occupational stress injuries have recently received attention in the field of post-traumatic stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experiences of military veterans and actively serving RCMP officers with occupational stress injuries who participated in an exploratory study using an equine-assisted learning program. Using a focus group research design, 20 veterans and five RCMP officers were interviewed about their experiences in a 4-week equine-assisted learning program. A thematic content analysis, following Braun and Clarke's (2006) method, revealed five main themes: (1) appreciation for the value of learning new skills, (2) connection with the horse in terms of the human–animal bond, (3) self-regulation and learning to "speak horse," (4) sense of accomplishment and competence, and (5) transferable skills to everyday life. The qualitative findings of this study provide support for the use of equine-assisted learning programming with military veterans and RCMP members and demonstrate potential as an alternative therapeutic intervention for occupational stress injuries in these populations. ; Dans le domaine du stress traumatique, on s'est récemment intéressé aux autres façons d'aborder la santé mentale et les programmes d'aide aux anciens combattants et aux membres de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC) souffrant de traumatismes liés au stress professionnel. L'étude avait pour but d'évaluer les expériences d'anciens combattants et d'agents de la GRC actuellement en service et souffrant de traumatismes liés au stress professionnel qui avaient accepté de participer à une étude exploratoire sur le recours à un programme d'apprentissage facilité par le cheval. Dans le cadre d'un plan de recherche impliquant des groupes de concertation, on a interviewé 20 anciens combattants et cinq agents de la GRC au sujet de leurs expériences vécues durant un programme d'apprentissage facilité par le cheval échelonné sur 4 semaines. Une analyse thématique du contenu, selon la méthode de Braun et Clarke (2006), a permis de dégager cinq grands thèmes : (1) appréciation de la possibilité d'acquérir de nouvelles habiletés, (2) le lien fondamental humain–animal, (3) autorégulation et apprentissage du « langage équin », (4) sentiment d'accomplissement et de compétence, et (5) habiletés transposables dans le quotidien. Les résultats qualitatifs de cette étude viennent appuyer le recours à des programmes d'apprentissage facilités par le cheval auprès d'anciens combattants et de membres de la GRC et confirment le potentiel de cet autre type d'intervention thérapeutique dans le cas de traumatismes liés au stress professionnel dans ces populations.

Contemporary Indigenous mental health research is beginning to address colonization, contextualizing Indigenous health within a history of colonial relationships and inadequate mental health responses. In practice, however, dominant counselling models for mental health in Canada have neglected Indigenous perspectives and there is a paucity of research regarding interventions that address psychological trauma with Indigenous populations. We identified 11 Canadian studies that employed culturally appropriate trauma interventions within Indigenous communities. We discuss the findings in relation to the study participants, outcomes reported, and research design. Recommendations are provided to address the need for evidence-based trauma interventions that have efficacy for Indigenous people in Canada to address Indigenous historical trauma.

Re-experiencing the distressing trauma(s) is a central component across trauma-focused psychotherapeutic orientations. Various orientations use different interventions to facilitate trauma re-experiencing. Via an in-depth case study, this article describes a military veteran's experience and the benefits of a group-based intervention designed to facilitate re-experiencing through therapeutic enactment. Findings indicated that therapeutic enactment enabled the veteran to vividly re-experience the trauma, reducing trauma-related guilt and maladaptive self-schemas. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed. ; Revivre un traumatisme pénible est un aspect central des orientations psychothérapeutiques axées sur les traumatismes. Les diverses orientations font appel à différentes interventions pour faciliter la reviviscence du traumatisme. S'appuyant sur une étude de cas approfondie, cet article décrit l'expérience d'un ancien combattant et les bienfaits d'une intervention de groupe qui vise à favoriser la reviviscence du traumatisme au moyen d'une reconstitution thérapeutique. Les résultats indiquent que la reconstitution thérapeutique a permis au sujet de revivre de façon très intense le traumatisme et a atténué la culpabilité liée au traumatisme et les schémas de soi mésadaptés. L'article traite également des implications théoriques et appliquées.

Purpose
– This participatory health research project of researchers and women prisoners examined housing and homelessness as perceived by incarcerated women to understand this public health concern and help guide policy. The paper aims to discuss these issues.


Design/methodology/approach
– A participatory research team designed and conducted a survey of 83 incarcerated women in BC, Canada. Using descriptive statistics, the authors examined socio-demographic factors related to social support networks and family housing and women's housing preference upon release.


Findings
– In total, 44 percent of participants reported no family home upon release while 31 percent reported lost family ties due to their incarceration. Most vulnerable subpopulations were women aged 25-34, aboriginal women and those with multiple incarcerations. Housing preferences differed between participants suggesting needs for varied options. Further implementation, evaluation and appraisal of social programs are required.


Research limitations/implications
– This study surveyed one correctional facility: future research could utilize multiple centers.


Practical implications
– Addressing housing instability among released incarcerated individuals is important fiscally and from a public health lens. Improved discharge planning and housing stability is needed through policy changes and social programs. A social support network, "Women in2 Healing," has developed from the research group to address these issues.


Social implications
– Housing stability and recidivism are closely linked: providing stable housing options will lessen the social, fiscal and medical burden of individuals returning to crime, substance abuse, illness and poverty.


Originality/value
– Housing instability addresses an important social determinant of health and focussing on incarcerated women builds upon a small body of literature.