Intersectionality, substance use disorders, and leisure: Implications for conducting research examining social identities

Objective: The purpose of this conceptual paper is to explore intersectional theory and its relationship with social identity theory. This paper will offer an initial review of intersectionality in the treatment of substance use and mental health disorders, as well as its use in leisure research. This paper will then examine how intersectional theory can be applied to social identity research with individuals in substance use and mental health treatment services and their leisure experiences.Conclusions: The paper proposes that intersectional theory and social identity theory exist in a state of tension and that this tension should be accounted for when working with marginalized populations, such as those with substance use and mental health disorders.</jats:p

Recreational therapy, complex trauma, and social identity

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.</jats:p

Recreational therapy, complex trauma, and social identity

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.</jats:p