Spirituality, friendship, and ADHD: Implications for inclusion in recreation

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of seven youth (5 males [3 with AD HD], 2 females; ages 8 - 11) who engaged in a 9 - week spirituality infused inclusive Christian recreation program called the Messengers . The Messengers occurred one day a week, after school, for 1 ½ hours lead by Therapeutic Recreation (TR) college students. The analysis from the transcribed video recorded focus group interview s (pre and post) revealed the nature of positive thoughts, words, and actions of the youths’ lived experience during Messengers with regard to a loving and caring God, faith in self and others, and realistic friends hip s . Based on the results, the Messengers program inspired the youth in a positive manner to act and speak in a caring and loving manner towards themselves, others, and God. The participants with ADHD were able to get through their issues of social struggles as evidence d by them caring more about their peers and making new friends by the end of the program. The results of this study provide a useful contribution to the healthcare and education professionals by studying the spiritual dimension through the lens of Christian faith.