Recreational therapy, complex trauma, and social identity

Abstract

The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the connection between complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and social identity, and describe the implications for recreational therapists. C-PTSD occurs when someone, typically a child, is exposed to multiple and varied traumatic events, or endures chronic exposure to the same traumatic event. This can lead to difficulty forming an individual identity and difficulty with forming attachments, making it challenging to identify with particular social groups. Because recreation and leisure is often a context where identity is formed, recreational therapists are in a position to holistically approach the treatment of C-PTSD using leisure and recreation to strengthen people’s sense of self as well as their sense of belonging to particular groups.