Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.194

Recovery in Motion: The Therapeutic Potential of Travel in Recovery From Psychosis

Dubravka Ergović ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia; Association for the Improvement of Mental Health „Vrapčići“, Naselje A. Hebranga 6/30, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia *
Ana Kolovrat ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Dijana Rac ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Ivan Tomasić ; Association for the Improvement of Mental Health „Vrapčići“, Naselje A. Hebranga 6/30, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Hrvoje Kožul ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia; Association for the Improvement of Mental Health „Vrapčići“, Naselje A. Hebranga 6/30, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia
Danijela Bionda ; General Hospital „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Štampareva 42, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia; Association for the Improvement of Mental Health „Vrapčići“, Naselje A. Hebranga 6/30, 35000 Slavonski Brod, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Contemporary approaches to the treatment of
psychosis emphasize the concept of recovery,
which is focused not only on symptom reduction
but also on re-establishing a meaningful, active,
and connected life. In this context, group travel,
although not a therapeutic method in itself, can
have a therapeutic and rehabilitative role. Travel
includes a series of elements that support recovery:
stepping out of the illness routine, strengthening
autonomy, developing self-confidence, creating
new positive experiences, and reconnecting
with others and with oneself. For young people,
it is particularly important to feel that they can
once again participate in experiences typical for
their age, instead of remaining defined by the
diagnosis and the experience of treatment. Published
papers mainly emphasize the risks of travel
in the context of psychosis: sleep disturbance, stress, environmental change, and cultural shock
can contribute to psychotic episodes in vulnerable
individuals. This paper presents a case report
of a group trip to Milan undertaken by 15 young
people with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder, organized
by the Association for the Improvement
of Mental Health „Vrapčići“ from Slavonski Brod
within the Erasmus+ program. The trip was preceded
by careful preparation with continuous
support during the journey, which, despite the
challenges, turned the travel experience into a
space of recovery and provided the travelers with
a sense of belonging, self-efficacy, hope, and renewed
engagement in life.

Keywords

psychosis; recovery; travel

Hrčak ID:

352324

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352324

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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