Final answer:
In Recreation therapy, new trends include the use of technology in treatment and education, liberation-based healing methods informed by social justice, and community psychology practices that emphasize flexibility and innovative, participatory methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Recent trends in Recreation therapy have been influenced by various developments, reflecting the dynamism of the field. One of the new topics is the use of technology, which has both potential benefits and drawbacks. For example, a smartphone app targeting surgery residents showed increased student engagement and better test scores, while other research indicates negative impacts on undergraduates' sleep and time management.
Another trend is liberation-based healing, which incorporates social change movements and acknowledges the impact of societal structures on individual well-being. This approach has enriched recreation therapy curriculums with insights into cultural competency and social justice.
The field also embraces community psychology practices that emphasize flexible, participatory, and innovative methods to support community reintegration and foster recovery from traumas such as homelessness. Arts-based approaches and non-traditional research methods are becoming more accepted as legitimate means to engage clients and center previously overlooked voices.