Measuring the Effects of the Shape Your Life Project on the Mental and Physical Health Outcomes of Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Abstract

Little is known regarding the types of physical activity interventions most effective in supporting the mental and physical health of woman-identified survivors of gender-based violence. This study measured the experiences of 56 participants who participated in a 14-week trauma-informed, noncontact boxing program once per week for 90 min. Participants completed measures of health-related outcomes including physical and mental health, quality of life, mastery, resilience, self-esteem, physical self-efficacy, social conflict, and financial strain at baseline, program midpoint, and program end. Analyses of variance showed significant improvements for all indicators measured except financial strain, demonstrating viability and effectiveness of this program.

Boxing as an Intervention in Mental Health: A Scoping Review

“…Majority of the articles studied an adult population (69%) with a few using youth (19%) and two with seniors with Parkinson's Disease (13%). The study population varied from general population, to those with mental health difficulties, 11 to participants with substance use disorder, 21 women who've experienced trauma, [22][23][24] males conformed to masculine norms, 25 inpatients treatment resistant schizophrenia or MDD, 20 Parkinson's Disease, 26,27 obese youth, 28,29 university students 30 and marginalized youth. 31…”

“…11,32 Having an experienced boxing coach made participants feel safe and cared for while simultaneously increasing their confidence and selfagency. 11,[22][23][24][25]33 There were a few multifaceted, larger community programs that provided psychosocial support in addition to boxing such as aide with transportation, nutritional education, food, psychological strategies, career advice and mentorship. [22][23][24]26,31,33…”

“…11,[22][23][24][25]33 There were a few multifaceted, larger community programs that provided psychosocial support in addition to boxing such as aide with transportation, nutritional education, food, psychological strategies, career advice and mentorship. [22][23][24]26,31,33…”

“…29,31 Trauma-Informed Boxing Intervention & Gender Norms Three studies discussed using a free trauma-informed, recreational, non-contact boxing program for marginalized selfidentified women who've experienced violence/trauma. [22][23][24] Participants felt included in a historically masculine dominated sport and empowered in having a safe/healthy emotional outlet to release their energy/anger. With discussions around anger being an appropriate response to trauma and the use of a 'movement based program that deploys the fists as weapons and the body as a source of strength and power' compared to traditional 'talk therapy'.…”

“…This includes providing a sense of community that is socially inclusive, collaborative, safe and aesthetically unique, while integrating coaching to elevate the exercise experience and improved participation. 11,21,22,24,25,33 Sports interventions historically have been successful in engaging young male service users and improving quality of life. 54,55 Boxing as an intervention may help provide access to men who have a tendency to not seek help for mental health concerns due to perceived masculine norms.…”