Activity therapy consists of a variety of recreational and vocational activities (recreational therapy [RT]; occupational therapy [OT]; and music, art, and dance therapy) designed to test and examine social skills and serve as adjunctive therapies.

1. CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES RELATED TO ACTIVITY THERAPY:
1. Socialization counters the regressive aspects of illness.
2. Activities must be selected for specific psychosocial reasons to achieve specific effects.
3. Nonverbal means of expression as an additional behavioral outlet add a new dimension to treatment.
4. Sublimation of sexual drives is possible through activities.
5. Indications for activity therapy: clients with low self-esteem who are socially unresponsive.
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIVITY THERAPY:
1. Usually planned and coordinated by other team members, such as the recreational therapists or music therapists.
2. Goals:
1. Encourage socialization in community and social activities.
2. Provide pleasurable activities.
3. Help client release tensions and express feelings.
4. Teach new skills; help client find new hobbies.
5. Offer graded series of experiences, from passive spectator role and vicarious experiences to more direct and active experiences.
6. Free or strengthen physical and creative abilities.
7. Increase self-esteem.
3. NURSING CARE PLAN/IMPLEMENTATION in activity therapy:
1. Encourage, support, and cooperate in client's participation in activities planned by the adjunct therapists.
2. Share knowledge of client's illness, talents, interests, and abilities with others on the team.
3. Health teaching: teach client necessary skills for each activity (e.g., sports, games, crafts).
4. EVALUATION/OUTCOME CRITERIA: client develops occupational and leisure-time skills that will help provide a smoother transition back to the community.