[Physical activity: What is its role in the training and practice of psychoeducators in Quebec?]

Abstract

The provision of services that improve the functioning, social participation and quality of life of individuals with behavioral or mental health problems is a common denominator amongst psychosocial professionals in Quebec, including social workers, psychologists and psychoeducators. One intervention that has gained empirical support as an intervention tool is physical activity. In fact, numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of physical activity for many populations with whom psychosocial professionals work. Objectives Thus, the primary objective of this study was to understand the role physical activity plays in psychosocial intervention, specifically in the field of psychoeducation. The specific objectives of this study are (1) to assess how physical activity spans out in the academic and continuing education of psychoeducators, (2) establish the use of physical activity, and (3) to explore whether certain variables influence the use of physical activity by psychoeducators. Method A total of 150 psychoeducators across Quebec (years of experience: M = 11.2; SD = 9.1) completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics, conditional probability, chi-square, analyses, and logistic regression were performed. Results The results suggest that physical activity is an intervention tool used by psychoeducators, with just over 75% of professionals reporting having used physical activity in their practice. However, very few psychoeducators have received academic or continuing education pertaining to this intervention tool. The use of physical activity was not found to differ across clienteles with whom psychoeducators worked, but was positively and significantly predicted by the number of years of experience of the professionals. Conclusion Considering the numerous benefits associated with physical activity, the results of the present study emphasize the need to reflect on physical activity in psychosocial intervention and on the training offered to professionals in relation to the use of this tool. Taken together, the results of the scientific literature and our study highlight that physical activity can be used as an intervention tool by psychosocial professionals. However, in order to avoid iatrogenic outcomes resulting from inappropriate use of physical activity, further research is needed to ensure that professionals have the necessary training and supervision for safe and effective implementation.