Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Gretchen Snethen, PhD, CTRS

Biography

Gretchen Snethen is an assistant professor in the Therapeutic Recreation program within the department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Her professional experience consists of direct and managerial work with youth and adults with mental illness. Gretchen has also been involved with multiple research projects that aim to understand the relationship of symptoms, community participation, and physical activity in adults with schizophrenia, as well as understanding the community-based barriers that may prevent community participation. Additionally, her research and professional experience uses recreation as a facilitator for increased functioning and independent community participation. Gretchen remains connected to the recreational therapy profession and strives to help connect practitioners to research. This is evident in her written publications, professional presentations, as well as her involvement as a co-team leader for the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Research Team.

Education:

2010 Ph.D. Leisure Behavior, Indiana University

Minor: Social Science Approach to Health and Healing Systems

2007 M.S., Recreational Therapy Administration, East Carolina University

2004 B.A., English, The University of Kansas

Professional Certifications:

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

Licensed Recreational Therapist (LRT), North Carolina

Publications/Presentations

Selected Publications:

Lysaker, P. H., McCormick, B. P., Snethen, G., Buck, K. D., Hamm, J. A., Grant, M., et al., (accepted). Metacognition and social function in schizophrenia: Associations of mastery with functional skills competence. Schizophrenia Research.
Snethen, G., McCormick, B. P., & Van Puymbroeck, M. (2011). Independence through community access and navigation (I-CAN) in adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Theoretical & practical foundations [Part I]. American Journal of Recreational Therapy, 10(1), 25-34.
Snethen, G., McCormick, B. P., Smith, R. L., & Van Puymbroeck, M. (2011). Independence through community access and navigation (I-CAN) in adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Treatment planning & implementation [Part II]. American Journal of Recreational Therapy, 10(1), 35-46.
Snethen, G. (2010). Preventing female gang involvement: Development of the Joint-Interest Core and Balance Model of Mother/Daughter Leisure Functioning. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 15, 42-48.
Snethen, G., & Van Puymbroeck, M. (2008). Girls and physical aggression: Causes, trends, and intervention guided by Social Learning Theory. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 13(5), 346-354.
Snethen, G., Smith, R., McCormick, B. P. (2010). Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Adults with Schizophrenia. Abstracts for the 2010 American Therapeutic Recreation Association Research Institute.
Snethen, G.(2010). The School-to-Work Transitional Experience of Recreational Therapy Professionals. Abstracts for the 2010 American Therapeutic Recreation Association Research Institute.
Snethen, G., Gilbert, R., McCormick, B. P. (2009). Boredom and anxiety in the daily lives of people with severe and persistent mental illness. Abstracts for the 2009 American Therapeutic Recreation Association Research Institute.
Snethen, G., Lewis, S.T., & McCormick, B. P. (2008). Stigma and community based activities among adults with mental illness. Abstracts from the 2008 Leisure Research Symposium. Alexandria VA: National Recreation and Park Association.