ERIC Number: EJ1013370
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0730-3084
EISSN: N/A
Using Physical Activity for Emotional Recovery after a Natural Disaster
Wahl-Alexander, Zachary; Sinelnikov, Oleg A.
Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, v84 n4 p23-28 2013
After traumatic events, such as a natural disaster, children who are directly or indirectly affected by the event often have a number of intense emotional reactions. It is important for educators to understand common emotional and psychological responses to disastrous events and to try to help. This article describes a physical activity program for elementary school students who were affected by a natural disaster. The program aimed to reduce students' stress and anxiety levels, provide students with developmentally appropriate physical activity, offer students a platform for shared experiences, and provide students with ways to cope with traumatic events. The program included somatic and psychological stress-reduction techniques, art therapy, and group sharing sessions, all integrated within developmentally appropriate physical activity. (Contains 3 figures and 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Physical Activities, Natural Disasters, Emotional Response, Elementary School Students, Anxiety, Stress Variables, Coping, Child Development, Art Therapy, Group Discussion, Stress Management, Program Effectiveness, Physiology, Relaxation Training, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Freehand Drawing
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Journal Articles
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Alabama
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A