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Gender Differences in Psychological Outcomes Following Surf versus Hike Therapy among U.S. Service Members

Author

Listed:
  • Lisa H. Glassman

    (Health and Behavioral Sciences, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
    Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA)

  • Nicholas P. Otis

    (Health and Behavioral Sciences, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
    Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA)

  • Kim T. Kobayashi Elliott

    (Department of Public Health, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA 92134, USA)

  • Betty Michalewicz-Kragh

    (Department of Public Health, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA 92134, USA)

  • Kristen H. Walter

    (Health and Behavioral Sciences, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA 92106, USA)

Abstract

Background: Surf and hike therapies have demonstrated effectiveness as adjunct interventions for service members with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study explores gender differences in intervention outcomes following a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial of Surf and Hike Therapy for service members with MDD ( N = 96; men, n = 46; women, n = 50). Methods: Clinician-administered and self-report measures (depression, anxiety, positive affect, negative affect, resilience, and pain) were completed at preprogram, postprogram, and 3-month follow-up; brief measures (depression/anxiety and positive affect) were completed before and after each session. Results: Multilevel modeling results showed that anxiety decreased from pre- to postprogram and significantly differed by gender (B = −2.26, p = 0.029), with women reporting greater reductions. The remaining outcomes from pre- to postprogram demonstrated significant improvements that did not differ by gender ( p s = 0.218–0.733). There were no gender differences through follow-up ( p s = 0.119–0.780). However, within sessions, women reported greater improvements in depression/anxiety (B = −0.93, p = 0.005) and positive affect (B = 3.73, p = 0.001). The change in positive affect scores within sessions was greater for women in Hike Therapy compared to men ( p = 0.016). Conclusions: Overall, results demonstrate that both genders benefit from adjunctive Surf and Hike Therapies, but women exhibit a better response in terms of longer-term anxiety and immediate psychological outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa H. Glassman & Nicholas P. Otis & Kim T. Kobayashi Elliott & Betty Michalewicz-Kragh & Kristen H. Walter, 2024. "Gender Differences in Psychological Outcomes Following Surf versus Hike Therapy among U.S. Service Members," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(2), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:2:p:241-:d:1341605
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lisa H. Glassman & Nicholas P. Otis & Betty Michalewicz-Kragh & Kristen H. Walter, 2021. "Gender Differences in Psychological Outcomes Following Surf Therapy Sessions among U.S. Service Members," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-12, April.
    2. Shen, Y.-C. & Arkes, J. & Williams, T.V., 2012. "Effects of Iraq/Afghanistan deployments on major depression and substance use disorder: Analysis of active duty personnel in the US military," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(S1), pages 80-87.
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