This study examined the effects of association and both internal and external dissociation on the performance, perceived fatigue, and rate of exertion of recreational swimmers during two swimming trials. Before the first swim, 69 participants completed a self-report questionnaire. After the first swim, participants were assigned to one of four groups equated with swim performance times: control, associative, internal dissociative, and external dissociative groups. After completing both the first and second swims, participants completed the Rate of Perceived Exertion, Perceived Fatigue Test, and Subjective Appraisal of Cognitive Strategies. Results showed that the group assigned to the associative strategy swam significantly faster (p < .05) than the control group. No changes were found in perceived fatigue and perceived rating of exertion among the groups between the first and second swim. These findings support the position that associative thinking is an important cognitive strategy in timed performances.

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The study investigated the effects of two mental training strategies separately and combined on subjects’ shooting performance following an endurance march. Further, the study examined the suitability of a ten‐session training programme for the police force. On Trial 1, following a three hour march, 44 subjects shot 25 rounds. Subjects were then randomly assigned to four groups (biofeedback, relaxation, combined biofeedback and relaxation and control). After two weeks of mental training, subjects performed both tasks again on Trial 2. A repeated two‐way ANOVA indicated a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in shooting accuracy by the combined group. Suitability for this mental training programme was strongly supported by the experimental groups (71 per cent to 80 per cent). Subjects were generally better able to relax and focus. They were also more aware of their body and their physiological control. Results are discussed in light of potential benefits for cognitive strategies in precision tasks following endurance activities.

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Analysis of the restorative experiences and psychosocial benefits of wilderness river rafting trips of varying difficulty with 186 Canadian participants of different ages supported the restorative potential of natural settings for all age groups as measured by the Perceived Restorativeness Scale. The two-factor structure (General Restorativeness and Coherence) was confirmed. Significant associations were found between scores on the General Restorative subscale and perceived psychosocial benefits (relaxation, nature appreciation or kinship, and physical fitness or achievement) and positive affect. However, the findings associated with the Coherence subscale were not conclusive.

Wilderness therapy (WT) provides an alternative treatment modality for a number of mental health issues. It holds particular appeal for at-risk youth, a population that is often less responsive to traditional psychotherapeutic interventions. Anecdotal accounts on the effectiveness of WT often show positive outcomes. Still, some researchers have questioned the value of WT outcome studies on the basis of dubious methodology. The current study sought to address this issue through its use of well-validated observational scales drawn from the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). While on a canoe expedition, three trained raters assessed the conduct of a group of at-risk youth aged 15 to 18 years. Results showed very little inter-observer agreement (Cronbach's alpha = .12). The findings underline the challenges of measuring WT outcomes. Even when equipped with validated and behaviourally anchored instruments, there appears to be little consistency among observers in terms of the degree to which WT influences participant change. The study demonstrates that when structured observation of WT participants is undertaken, outcomes are less definitive. This supports the criticisms offered by previous researchers who have expressed that in the absence of improvements to WT research methods, outcome findings are likely to be of questionable validity.

This paper proposes that nurses can manage stress in their lives through a well-integrated, flexible program. A person's stress reaction is compared to a whirlwind, with negative outcomes that may vary from mild to devastating. The emphasis here is that these negative consequences can be minimized by applying different levels of intervention strategies to each phase in the progression of the stress reaction. A variety of strategies for coping with stress are presented here from which a person may select and build a personal repertoire of interventions for stress management.

Analysis of the restorative experiences and psychosocial benefits of wilderness river rafting trips of varying difficulty with 186 Canadian participants of different ages supported the restorative potential of natural settings for all age groups as measured by the Perceived Restorativeness Scale. The two-factor structure (General Restorativeness and Coherence) was confirmed. Significant associations were found between scores on the General Restorative subscale and perceived psychosocial benefits (relaxation, nature appreciation or kinship, and physical fitness or achievement) and positive affect. However, the findings associated with the Coherence subscale were not conclusive.