A grounded theory exploration of programme theory within waves of wellness surf therapy intervention

Marshall, Jamie; Ferrier, Brendon; Martindale, Russell; Ward, Philip B

Abstract

Objective
Poor mental health represents a large proportion of disease burden faced by young Australians, which has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the reluctance of this population to seek support. Surf therapy is a novel form of intervention targeting mental health. The objective of this study was to interrogate programme theory within surf therapy, as delivered by the Waves of Wellness Foundation (WOW) in Australia.

Methods and Measures
The study utilised grounded theory to understand or develop theoretical mediators for WOW surf therapy based on interviews exploring the experiences of previous intervention participants (n = 16; mean age = 18.4 years, SD = 2.8, range 14–24). Data were analysed through constant comparative analysis.

Results
Five categories emerged from participant data as foundational to WOW programme theory: (a) Safe Space, (b) Social Support, (c) Sensory Grounding, (d) Mastery and (e) Respite. These categories have novel theoretical and practical implications for both surf therapy and wider clinical practice, especially around concepts such as delivering ‘mental health by stealth’ and fostering longer term ‘mental health maintenance’ for participants.

Conclusion
The study developed an initial WOW programme theory, highlighting the importance of foundational therapeutic structures beyond simply going surfing.

Citation

Marshall, J., Ferrier, B., Martindale, R., & Ward, P. B. (2025). A grounded theory exploration of programme theory within waves of wellness surf therapy intervention. Psychology and Health, 40(2), 231-253. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2023.2214590

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 11, 2023
• Online Publication Date: May 21, 2023
• Publication Date: 2025
• Deposit Date: May 22, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: May 22, 2023
• Journal: Psychology & Health
• Print ISSN: 0887-0446
• Electronic ISSN: 1476-8321
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 40
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 231-253
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2023.2214590
• Keywords: qualitative research, physical activity, mental health, well-being, program theory, surf therapy