The effects of an ocean surfing course intervention on spirituality, depression, anxiety, and quality of life

Although research on the psychological aspects of ocean surfing is scarce, at least two correlational studies have demonstrated that ocean surfers report more positive mental health characteristics in terms of less anxiety and depression than normative samples (Levin & Taylor, 2011; Amrhein, Barkhoff, & Heiby, in press). However, no experimental studies have been found that examined whether these mental health outcomes are an effect of surfing. The current study, using a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, aims to examine the effects of a surfing course intervention on spirituality, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Fifty-four participants (46 "new surfers" and 8 "regular surfers") were recruited from four sections of a one credit surfing course at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Participants were asked to complete a baseline assessment at the beginning of the course examining demographics, spirituality, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Participants were also asked to complete a follow-up assessment at the end of the course consisting of the same measures along with a scale of spiritual surfing experiences and other surfing habits. "New surfers" demonstrated a significant increase in overall levels of spirituality from baseline to follow-up. Additionally, reported scores from the entire sample on their subjective, spiritual surfing experiences were positively correlated with overall levels of spirituality. No significant changes were observed from baseline to follow-up on measures of depression, anxiety, or quality of life. The results suggest that participating in a surfing course may contribute to an individual's development of overall spirituality, which holds important clinical and research implications. The potential for developing culturally-tailored interventions that incorporate surfing is discussed, as are limitations and future research directions.