Last summer, 74 youth participated in a unique Ocean Therapy research study to better understand the benefits of participation in our unique program. In terms of the process of Ocean Therapy, we asked the youth to draw a picture of their experience of the day and we trained volunteers to code the drawings.
We found that youth expressed: experiencing Opportunities for Learning and Fun (95%); a positive attitude about their Self-Identify or Self-Concept (90%); feeling Safe (64%); experienced Social Support and Inclusion (62%).
These findings suggest that the Ocean Therapy program processes are operating in the manner in which they were intended and the goals are being achieved.
In addition to the drawings, we had participants complete a children’s Hope scale before and after participating in Ocean Therapy. Statistical analyses revealed a significant increase in mean Hope scores after participating in Ocean Therapy. These results suggest that Ocean Therapy positively affects children’s Hope.
Dr. Gregor Sarkisian is currently writing an academic article on the findings from this summer and we plan to publish it in the coming months. We will continue the same protocol for 2018 for the youth and will initiating some innovative research with various veterans groups as well.
We all know Ocean Therapy is effective and now we have proof! Stay tuned…
